2.5
Quality3.7
Difficulty35%
Would Retake115
Reviews35%
Would Retake
115
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
14
4
17
3
28
2
18
1
38
What Students Say
“Ima keep it honest with you guys, this guy is terrible”
ECON101 - 1.0 rating“Would not recommend and awful job preparing students”
ECON101 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
32%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.31 avg changeRatings by Course
ECONECON
5.0
(1)ECON101114B
5.0
(2)ECON2
2.8
(56)ECON114B
2.3
(3)ECON101
2.2
(40)Difficulty by Course
ECON133
5.0
ECON114
4.2
ECON114B
4.0
ECON101
3.8
ECON2
3.5
Reviews (115)
This was by far the worst class I have ever taken. Unless you enjoy working the Solow model from Econ 101 to death, don't take this course. I went to all the lectures, took good notes, did all of the problem sets and I went into the final. I couldn't answer one quarter of the test. Somehow I pulled a B, but I thought for sure I was gonna fail.
I completely agree with wat the guy said above. dont take this class if you want to learn about how developing countries economies grow. Its all****ty calc
If you like 101 then take this class, otherwise do not! He writes his tests to confuse you (he said that!) Also, doesn't show up to office hours on time or at all...
He is a good guy but the class is just crazy. No matter how good of a note taker you are or how well you do the problem sets, the midterma and final are ridiculous. I thought for sure I was going to fail but pulled a C+. He just wants everyone to get something out of the class.
Birchenall is a wonderful prof. He changed the book this quarter so that there is barely any math involved. He's helpful to students and his slides are very clear. You don't expect his tests to be that hard, but they are pretty challenging. Overall, I thought the class was very fair and he's been my fav econ prof(cuz we know most of them suck)
Hard class but he helps a lot in office hours. Midterm and final are easy if you understand the material and have a good grasp of calculus, Alegebra II.
I thought it would be pretty cool to take a class in econ. development, but he butchered and sucked the life out of any interesting topics. If you value your time don't go to lecture, the only good part about this class is the book... got an A from reading it. He seems like a nice guy but that only goes so far.
Javier is a nice guy but his lectures are boring and his problem sets don't teach you anything. The midterm was fair, just multiple choice from the book, but the final was ridiculous. Multiple choice only made up 40% and the remaining 60% was problems similar to the problem sets. The problem sets don't even make sense if you have the book!! Hard!
Nice guy. Lectures aren't mandatory. Midterm MC just make sure you read all the chapters in the book. Final ridiculously hard but he curves it so you get a much better grade than you expect.
This was a tuff class, don't think you could really be perpared for the final. It is in your best to go to all the classes so you have an overall view of the subject on exams.The midterm was not that hard but final problems were random, need to do the homework & understand it, but most of all ask him (the professor not TA's) questions during final
Javier is a an exceptional professor. His lectures are clear, concise and he doesn't use too much calculus in them compared to many other professors. Also print out the slides The Midterm was MC and it was easy, the average was like 80%. Go to sections, because TA's help with homework. Also, the stuff he teaches is kind of applicable to real life.
He's adorable. And sooooo knowledgeable. My fave prof in the econ dept. Test are hard but fair.
He is a nice guy. Although the course is taught very "by the book" and subsequently conservative. Lectures are boring and redundant. The book is rather narrow for a subject that requires a more comprehensive analysis. Do the reading, do the HW and go to lecture if you want to make studying easier. Done deal.
The Lectures are boring, redundant and not that useful. Everything is right out of the book!!! Midterm is all MC and is very fair, final is MC and open ended and still a fair assessment. You have 6 HW's that are tougher and can really help your grade. Overall, nice guy. Best/Easiest required class for the UD Econ requirements.
multiple choice midterm is based entirely on the assigned reading from the textbook, it is very fair. Cumulative final is very difficult...a combination of multiple choice (like the midterm) and a VERY hard second half based on questions like those given on the 6 homework "problem sets"..very mathematical. Curve is very generous tho so don't worry!
Nice guy but horrible teacher. He is confusing and unclear. Lectures are so boring and not helpful for preparing for the test.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. He just repeats what's in the book. Very heavily math based. Unless you love doing calculus on the Solow model and Cobb-Douglas Functions take this course. In all honesty, you will not apply any of this sh*t in the real world. Avg on midterm was 55. That say's a lot about teaching quality. F- . Horrible teacher, but nice guy
The worst econ class at UCSB. Professor is terrible...does not know how to effectively teach. Talks in circles. Lectures are pointless and your grade solely depends on if you and your TA get along. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. You will regret it!
Birchenall is honestly not that bad. I got a B in the class after not doing well in other econ courses. His lectures are better than people say but he doesn't cover the math. The class isn't easy but if you go to section and do all the problem sets it you should be fine, as most of the math comes out of the problem sets.
this professor is really boring. He talks in circles from lectures to lectures (like repeats stuff a lot) and he doesnt give any reviews or practice stuff for midterms or final. He doesnt give explanations for the answers from midterms. The class is long and boring. Some of the stuff from midterm he had never talked about. 100 questions on final!
The professor talks really boring in lectures and he just takes what's in the textbook and put them on his slides. Not very efficient. He also spent too much time reviewing the previous lecture. There is not enough sources for us to practice and he does not provide detailed explanations after midterm and final. But the class was pretty ok.
Although he's noot the best at explaining topics, he follows the book exactly. If you read the book, you'll do great on the tests. Both the midterm and final are MC and have pretty straight-forward questions. iClickers are based on participation, so easy points there. Would probably take another course from him b/c of easiness.
Easy professor. I went to class for iclicker but did not listen to him because he lectures straight from the book. Read the book and do the hw. If you make sure you understand the problems then you'll ace the tests which are relatively easy
He is a good guy. Take him WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE. If you take Rupert, you are sure to never survive. Trust me, Birchenall is literally the ray of hope that anyone would need. Don't wait to take him, take him before you lose your chance. He is the best Econ 2 prof you can get. Try to take him as if you life depends on it.
u need a PILLOW when u attend the class. please don't day-DREAM to get full grade on each of ur homework.
He is a really sweet guy. His lectures follow the book well. Sometimes lectures an be a bit boring. Definitely do the reading!!! The midterms are tricky but if u study the book u will do good. Sections are optional but I suggest u go cuz it helps for hw. Hw is not too bad. Go to lecture!! has iclicker . Overall easier than Econ 1
Such a hard class. The final was ridiculous. Seriously I thought this was supposed to be easier than Econ 1. I did we'll in Econ 1 but this class was a lot harder and required more effort. Glad it's over.
Each week we have a 6 hour problem set due. I asked if he would post the solutions to problem sets 2&3 (because he posted solutions for the 1st) and he replied and said they won't help prepare for the midterm since it is multiple choice from the textbook. So whats the point of the problem sets? Might as well skip class and just read the book.
I NEVER went to this class didn't have to. Problem set due evry week which was very hard but worth 30% and could do in groups. 1st midterm was cake, MC straight from the summaries and slides. The final has the same MC format, but half the test was HARD math like the hw. Nothing you do can prepare you for that part, but the curve is very forgiving.
exams are pretty easy and straight MC from the book. prof is very OK. lectures are boring most of the time but this class is straightforward. he is a nice guy and you could definitely do worse with another prof.
the final was ridiculous. but he gives huge curve for this class
When I asked him what would be covered on the midterm and final his response was everything. Very vague and lectures aren''t useful. His lectures are more of a history lesson on economics in the US. Always goes off topic. You have to learn a lot of it on your own but the material isn''t hard.
Javier is an INCREDIBLE professor. He has incredible confidence when he teaches, and excellent command of the material. He is straightforward with what he expects of students in the class and sticks to it. He teaches topics that are useful to real life, not just that class. I took two classes with Birchenall and I can say he is an exceptional prof
Birchenall is a super sweet guy and you can tell he's passionate about what he does. I wouldn't say his lectures are long at all, just make sure to pay attention and follow along. He follows the textbook pretty closely but does add a few extra things. 2 midterms & 1 final, but he cushions your grade with attendance and homework. Very FAIR class.
Too chill for his students good (he's goes very slowly over a chapter and then crams in the next one right before midterm, with those chapters being tested equally). Read the textbook in class (iClicker) and take your own notes, bc his are lectures lack detail. Teaching ability aside, he's likable.
If iClicker didn't exist I'm convinced nobody would've ever shown up. Birchenall does everything by the book. His tests are sneaky but he really makes you think. Lectures were long and boring and he went too quickly through them, but that was ok since the tests were all book-based anyways. Hw was easy but the platform cost $75. Nice guy, easy class
I think he is a excellent professor overall. I took his Econ 101 during the summer, and I believe you should always go to his lectures. Without his explanations, it would be really hard for students to remember the materials. Homeworks are fairly easy with his instructions. Exams are not that hard, but maybe a little bit challenge on math part.
Birchenall is a pretty good professor. He gives HW that is fairly easy to get full points on. The midterm is all MC and the final is a mixture of MC and math. If you read the book, and study the lecture slides, it shouldn't be too bad.
Honestly the worst Econ professor I have had at this school. Hes a friendly and chipper guy but has absolutely no idea how to teach. You'll get full credit on the HW basically just for doing it. His tests were ridiculous and I know for a fact everyone got at least 30% on his final, yet myself and many others ended up with a B in the course?
Lower-division econ classes are generally hard due to the fact that they are graded on a very rigid curve. This aside, the material is actually very easy, it's just presented to you in a purposefully tricky way on the test. Read, take practice tests, go to CLAS, and attend lectures to pass this class.
He records his lectures, so that's cool, but like he's just sorta meh. He's not BAD at explaining or lecturing, but he's not that good at it either.
Very nice teacher, cares about his students- always has his office hours open to explain any confusion on any topics. His lectures are straight from the book though. His lectures alone DO NOT prepare you for the tests, CLAS is 100% necessary in order to prepare yourself for the tests. Do all the practice test and you'll be fine.
His lectures alone will NOT prepare you for the questions on the test- CLAS is 100% necessary in order to do well on the tests. Read the book, go to lecture, and do ALL of the practice tests, and go to the Econ Lab. IF you understand the topics and do practice problems, you will be okay. Going to his office hours to understand concepts also helps.
2 midterms, iclicker for attendance (5 lowest dropped), homework (2 lowest dropped), 1 final. Birchenall sets up the class so that it's impossible to fail (unless you don't take the final or something). However, it's still super hard because of the curve so make sure that you understand your homework or else the tests will be impossible.
Honestly the curve is what makes all the econ classes hard. Although the content isn't hard, the test is designed to trick students . CLAS is absolutely necessary and his lectures are actually useless because it's ALL in the book. I only went because of iclickers. Make sure to do all the hw, get practice tests, and actually read!
Lectures are based off the book and are recorded so don't worry if you can't type fast enough. He lectures slowly, you might want to read before class because its easy to doze off. Use CLAS because they provide lots of practice problems-otherwise you will be left wondering how some of the info will be presented on tests. Can go to any TAs sections!
He is soooo boring. Horrible to listen to. Love econ. Hated the class. If you care about an interesting lecture, please don't take this class. Dull, monotonous, this is the worst review I've ever given. I don't think I've ever given below a 3 before this. Words to the wise.
Personally this class was very easy compared to ECON1. The homework were simple examples from the book and the midterms and final are all multiple choice. Section is "optional" but I recommend going to all of them because we go over examples. Just listen to lecture (he records them but uses iclickers), read the book, and show up to section.
LOL the easiest A I've gotten from the major. Just try and do well and the midterm (MC) and you should be alright. The free response on the final was iINCREDIBLY difficult but the curve in the end is very forgiving. I got a 25% on the first FRQ and an 85% on the second FRQ and still managed to do well in the class.
Honestly not a very enjoyable class. The homework is worth 30% and is fairly difficult (make sure to go to office hours for help). The midterm is very straightforward MC. The final free response is almost impossible so do not expect to leave feeling like you aced the test. The curve is massive for this class so don't worry too much.
The most boring teacher at UCSB so far. His lectures are basically retelling the lectures so dont expect it to be interesting. Basically if you seat in class do iClicker and read the textbook you have solid chacne of gettting a good grade in class. I would drop this class if it was not for my major. If you have choice than pick other teacher.
Boring lectures, only need to attend 75% of the lectures to get 100% in participation. Drops lowest 2 homework grades. Just read the textbook and follow the slides that are posted online and you should be good! Birchenall seems like he genuinely cares about his students.
Lecture mandatory because of iClicker, but section is not mandatory. His dad jokes are hilarious. Lectures recorded which is a plus. Downside is that we have to purchase Cengage program, but it's a good program that I would definitely pay for again because it is worth the money, although buying the physical textbook is not necessary.
Nice guy. Lectures were frustrating because they were repeats of the reading assignments in the textbook. I felt like I wasn't learning anything more, but still had to go for attendance. Exam questions are a bit tricky if you don't know the concepts inside out. But put in the effort, go to CLAS, do a lot of practice exams, and you'll do fine.
Long complicated lectures that are very math heavy. All homework assignments are difficult math problem sets due every week and won't be tested on until the final. I would also recommend taking Econ 101 before taking this class. I can't even begin to explain the frustration I felt from taking this class, beware!!!
Professor Birchenall was not that bad. If you do the reading and practice the released exams you will be fine. The only problem is the econ curve. My score in the class was a 82.2% but I came out of the class with a C. Make sure you score high above the average because I feel like the exams were similar to past exams (making it easy & avgs high).
Birchenall seems to really care about his students. However, his lectures are boring and exactly the same as the textbook readings. His tests are quite easy, and are very similar to practice tests posted online. For this reason, test averages are high, so you must do really well, because the class is graded on a curve. Overall, not a bad choice!
He seems like a nice guy but he's not good at teaching and just repeat slides verbatim. The new format of midterm he just tested out contains question which sounds simple, but worded so vaguely you have to guess what he is talking about and even contradicted book at times(so who's right?). Would not recommend and awful job preparing students.
His class is really boring and tough! He is like repeat the exactly the same examples from the textbook. so you don't need to go to the class, you just need to read the textbook at home. The average score of the midterm is 50/100, which means he is really not good at setting the question. Such a low average score proves his teaching is very poor.
He is a nice guy, but he is not a good professor. The midterm average is about 50/100. He just repeat the PPT. Would not recommend this professor. I will never take his class at all in the future.
Not an enjoyable class. He's a nice person but he can't teach at all and repeats slides word for word like Hartman. Average for midterm was 52/100 and final was 67 /100 because he wanted to "try a new format." Probably the worst Econ class I took since I don't even know how to study for this class but curve was huge it seems. Not recommended
The professor changed his grading to free response from multiple choice and it made this class a disaster. There were no previous tests to study, the study guide was useless, and when we got the right answer we would get an 8/10. That being said, I got a D- on the midterm and probably an F on the final and got a B+ so I don't know what to say.
Professor Birchenall explains the concepts well in lecture and always recaps the previous lecture at the beginning of each class. His midterm and final were hard because they were all free response questions. His new testing format is planned to assess whether students get the main concepts or not.
Not a good lecturer if not for the mandatory iClicker no one would go. Grade is 2 MTs, 8/10 HWs, iClicker, 1 Final. you have to buy the $90 online textbook to access hw, which sucks, but it's far more helpful than lectures. standard econ curve which kills, of course, but eh. do well on HW and attendance for a buffer, bc you're gonna need it.
Javier is awful. His lectures are very boring and are just countless graphs of different countries GDPs and other stats that relate to the topics but in no way help understand the material. Unfortunately knowing how the US GDP fluctuates over time with 12 different graphs did not and will not help me ever
Terrible experience coming after Econ 1. Makes you buy a $90 online textbook, which purpose is only to do the required homework. Doesn't teach clearly. Won't be quiet during quizzes ("25 minutes left, make sure to... okay class, 23 minutes left... 20 minutes left..."). Hesitant to put mandatory attendance, half the time doesn't do iclicker.
Going to lecture is much more useless than reading slides on your own or going to CLAS. His lectures are extremely boring, trivial, and unorganized. His tests never match the practice tests, and his homework is just annoying, all attempts counts, and the writing home work is just about making you write 500 words for simple, one- sentence concepts.
REALLY NICE GUY. He explains things well, and the additional information which is not in the textbook is gem. DO listen carefully on those in you want to have better insight on Economics. The curve is terrible, but that's what the Econ department requires. Can't blame it on him. CLAS & sections are helpful but not the must for having a good grade.
I like Econ but didnt enjoy his class. He doesnt seem to care about teaching. Lectures are basically repeats of the textbook. Nominally mandatory but he doesnt use iclicker half the time. Sections not mandatory but are more useful than him. Got a nice TA who helped me ace the class. I might take another class from him tho cuz he has fair exams.
The worst lecturer I've ever had at UCSB. Puts absolutely no effort into his lectures. Answers questions unrelated to lecture in the middle lecture slides. AND lecture slides are carbon copies of the book pages making it infuriating to attend lecture. I am embarrassed to go to an institution that allows people like this to run their classes.
Professor Birchenall is willing to talk to students about both academic and nonacademic stuff. He holds a "social hour" every week. Homework is very easy to finish. Quizzes are a little bit tricky, which might require a very comprehensive understanding of economic concepts. Personally I love his lectures(watch the recording with 1.5x speed)
His lectures are straight from the textbook, there's no need to show up to his zooms. Homework isn't terrible, and it's 25% which is nice. His midterms, however, are very difficult. Most problems are worded very poorly and he picks obscure examples. He's a nice guy but the class is hard.
Prof Birchenall is a nice guy and he does his best to be accomodating, but his lectures are very similar to the textbook & his quizzes often have confusing wording. Advice for next quarter: annotate the textbook, listen to his lectures in the background (bc he drops important info sometimes) and make sure you can solve all econ formulas 4 midterms.
The exam is too difficult. I got the lowest score in this course since I was in college. It took the most time to get the lowest grades.
Tests were incredibly hard. The grading scale definitely saved me. Be prepared to do a lot of self-studying.
Personally, I love Birchenall's lectures and exams. Great professor.
Exams gave me a lot of anxiety since you had to join his zoom in case there was any typos on the exam (can't join the zoom? gl trying to find out about the typos mid-exam) and there was always at least 2 typos per exam despite him + TAs checking twice over. The material was fine but he just didn't seem very accommodating for the exams.
He taught nothing in lectures but exams are very very difficult. Only 9% people can get an A so students are all nervous in studying the course. One of the worst courses I've taken.
The whole class is curved and only the top percent of people can receive A's. The test content was fine but had practically no time to answer each question. His lectures make sense as well as the homework my only problem are the tests.
curve is so tough, and time for tests is not reasonable. professor is good.
- forced to buy online textbook that does not help at ALL for exams - no way to prepare for exams, just have to pray you somehow know everything on there - exams rushed for time - practice tests, homework, any practice work on the online website do not help at all
Worst Econ professor ever, taking his class doesnt match whats on the test and I have no clue on where the test come from
Lectures are cool but do not reflect what is on the exams. The homework also has nothing to do with the tests. He gives sample midterms to practice for the tests and those also do not help. The whole class is graded on a curve so it is possible that the whole class curves down.
Lectures are interesting, but tests are super hard. The professor did not have a reasonable time plan for the tests. HARD to get A.
The lectures themselves were fine but what is taught and what you have to do for homework will not help you with the tests. The tests are worded to trip you up and he never goes over examples so you are left to teach it all to yourself. Only take this class if you have to, and at that point try to get it with another professor.
bad curve, difficult and rly time limited tests. avoid at all cost. Can learn better with other professors with this course
This class is absurdly difficult. Javier makes it impossible to receive a good grade. Only 9% of students received an A. Not to mention, his tests were a complete guessing game. Nobody knows where he pulled those questions out of. Went to lecture, did all HW, did practice problems, went to CLAS…Nothing helped. Tests were not reflective of content
Lectures were easy to understand and he kept them somewhat interesting, however none of the material seemed to really help for the midterms/ final. Online homework seemed to help a little, but I wish he would have gone over more example questions or not have worded tests so tricky. Only top 8% get an A so luckily for me the class didn't curve down.
Content itself is not that hard, basically AP Macro content with a few more added concepts. Do the practice midterms/old midterms and its fine. Easy B, but hard to get an A due to curve. But to be fair I don't know if the curve rule is determined by him, likely department designed so I wouldn't hold it against him. He's a nice guy
Interesting classes, although they only teach you basic concepts while exams questions are much harder. Don't expect to have good scores without doing his homework and practice exam questions. Syllabus says only the top 9% can get an A, but it has nothing to do with the professor. The department just don't want so many people in the major.
Prof Brichenall's lectures were fascinating. Exams ruined people's grades due to brutal difficulty and time constraints. Grading is tough - only the top 9% get A's, but it is set by the department and has nothing to do with the professor. Homework does not prepare you for exams, so make sure to do a lot of self-studying (CLAS, practice exams).
Birchenall is very accessible by email or during office hours, he replies very quickly and is always willing to help. I read the textbook and did okay on the tests (which were online open notes). Some of the tests were really hard others were a lot easier which is annoying. Definitely read the textbook, go to office hours, and do the practice exams
Very nice professor and always willing to help. While the course is difficult and not many students get an A the lectures are always interesting.
His lectures are nothing related to the homework, and the office hour is only once a week with an overlap of 25 minutes with the section. The TAs doesn't have any office hours either. The contents of the class are mostly micro stuff from econ10a and econ100b. It makes me wonder why it's a "Macroeconomics" class. Avoid him if you can!
He failed to provide us with any practice problems for the final exam. With only four short-answer questions in the final, and no opportunity for practice, I'm uncertain if I'll be able to succeed. This course is incredibly challenging.
Ima keep it honest with you guys, this guy is terrible. Brother has no idea how to lecture, and is allergic to giving us practice problems. Lectures were a joke, guy would spend an hour showing us a gdp chart that had no relevance within the course. stay away from this guy if you can.
just awful
tests are unpredictable with few things to review. midterm was relatively easy. final was brutal.
Just don't. Not a real professor, just likes to lecture and give homework that has nothing to do with what he talks about. Reading the book is the safest bet, but homework is still super unclear. If you have no other choice...good luck.
READ THE TEXTBOOK. Lectures are completely irrelevant to class. Section sucked on average, but section slides sometimes had similar questions to midterm/final. Book material and practice probs were the closest to exams. Godspeed, soldiers.
Really bummed at Javier. I was fresh out of 10A when he scarred me out of taking this course. "You need to take 100b first, its very important for this class". That wasn't true. Everything is directly from 10A. Truly wish I had taken this course immediately after 10A... 100b seems to be much less related to 10A.
this is the worst economics class I have taken at UCSB and he is the worst professor at UCSB. The class goes way too fast, the professor does not show helpful examples, don't bother asking the TAs for help most of them don't even know what the class is covering. the exams will be hard, unlike the textbook, lecture, or practice exams. AVOID IT!
Lectures were essentially useless. He goes on rambling about the most generic material that is irrelevant to what you will be tested on. Section slides, problem sets, and the 1 previous test you get are your best way to study. TA's don't even understand what is going on either.
I am genuinely offended at how this course has played out. None of them (professor/TA's) care in the slightest about the education we've received... TA's cant even solve half the problems. And the questions they do attempt to solve are often riddled with errors. The econ department desperately needs to OPTIMIZE econ 101. More like algebra 101.....
Absolutely the worst professor and class you can ever take at UCSB. I have never witnessed such lecture slides that are this completely useless. The lecture slides only have equations and useless graphs that won't be needed for exams. Reading the textbook does help a bit, but it's sometimes unclear when it comes to the math portions.
average for the midterm was a 50 in the class. prof is a terrible at lecturing, he is not engaging whatsoever because the material he goes over during lecture is absolutely useless to you. Section slides and old tests (which you are given two) are all you go on for this class. feels like the professor is oblivious to the needs of his students.
Structure of the class makes it extremely difficult to succeed. Very little review material, lecture is incredibly unhelpful as are the explanations for previous finals and the problem sets. I would avoid this class. Read the textbook if anything.
Econ 101 was so horrendous. Little to no practice problems for exams, and ones we got were either way to easy or not on the exams. Does not explain how to solve problems in lecture, and exams were nothing like lecture. I would avoid this class with him at all costs.
The lecture is irrelevant to the exam and he does not teach any math. Grading is 70% quiz and 30% final. If you practice with the past exams and problem sets you will do good on final. Quiz are online and easy.
This ECON101 class is a struggle. The lectures are unhelpful, and the exams are nothing like the practice materials. However, using resources like unstuck ai alongside the textbook can help you succeed.
Probably the worst class I have taken at UCSB. Other reviews are spot on with the lectures, completely useless for the exams. Problem sets feature questions not even yet discussed in lecture, leaving you having to guess the right answer. He seems like a nice enough guy but wow is this class frustrating.
Seems like a nice guy. Honestly, kind of funny at times. However, the lectures aren't that important. Reading/understanding the textbook, as well as reviewing the section slides, will be the most helpful. Do all the practice exams, and you should be fine.
Standard class, study previous exams and you're fine
You better work for your grade in the class.
Professor Birchenall is a great lecturer! I wouldn't say lectures are helpful for exams, but I found the content interesting. Like every other econ class, teach yourself everything from the practice exams and you will be fine.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
32%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.31 avg changeRatings by Course
ECONECON
5.0
(1)ECON101114B
5.0
(2)ECON2
2.8
(56)ECON114B
2.3
(3)ECON101
2.2
(40)Difficulty by Course
ECON133
5.0
ECON114
4.2
ECON114B
4.0
ECON101
3.8
ECON2
3.5