3.0
Quality2.7
Difficulty40%
Would Retake124
Reviews40%
Would Retake
124
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
32
4
21
3
27
2
21
1
23
What Students Say
“Do not I repeat do not take this class with him”
ECON201 - 1.0 rating“My best advice is to go to class only to get points on the pop quizzes since they have quite an impact on your grade but don't rely on Church to teach you anything”
ECON202 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
14%
Textbook Required
64%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.59 avg changeRatings by Course
ECONOMICS
5.0
(1)ECONECON
5.0
(1)ECN201
5.0
(1)ECON303
4.0
(2)ECN202
3.9
(10)Difficulty by Course
202
5.0
201
4.0
ECON202001
3.7
ECON303
3.0
ECON101
3.0
Reviews (124)
He was actually pretty interesting and the test were easy... good class to get an area 2 out of the way.
No Comments
Doesn't explain things well, very confusing. I did the homework, tests, and projects. Passed with a C.
Uses a lot of weird examples; a lot about Mountain home. Other then that not a hard class.
Took him for two classes (303 and 202). Easiest teacher I've had so far at BSU. He uses the same questions from his exams every semester, so if you know a person that took him before, get the exams. But dont get me wrong, you do learn ALOT in his class. It's an easy A.
Remarkable teacher. I can almost guarantee you will not have to buy the book for this class (202). He explains things very well (However a lot of the time he goes on tangent examples to explain himself). You will learn a lot without having to invest much, if any, outside time to the class. If you understand Econ, you most likely won't have to study
Easy class. Explains all things well. If you understand econ and have a little common sence then the tests aren't really that hard.
Took Macro first against University recomendation and scored better then Micro (Church was the macro teacher). Very clear and understandable.
The most interesting teacher I've had yet at school. Very easy to understand, makes lectures fun. Easy and fair grading practices, he uses a benevelant curve for tests, offers some extra credit, and makes examples stuff you can relate to. I'll definitely take this prof again for my other requried econ classes.
Great instructor, has lots of real world experience as an economist....you'll learn quite a bit. As long as you pay attention in class, the tests are cake. Minimal use of textbook. Overall a great class, just what I want in a class...learn alot & easy A
He relates real world examples with economics. He can be a lil confusing if you're not fully paying attention. Easy class as long as you take notes. Homework = extra credit.
Grat guy! i never go to class and I do well. but I have also taken the class prior with a horrible professor. he is to the point and super funny
This class was easy as long as you take notes and pay attention. Sometimes he can be a little confusing and he tells a lot of stories. Tests were easy for the most part. Use your homework as a study guide.
He's sometimes a little confusing. Random test questions that were not covered in lecture. It's a class that requires you to have a certain level of intelligence to succeed, you have to figure it out he won't quite spell it out for you. Mostly a good class, funny and interesting lecturer.
Very funny, engaging instructor--uses lots of real world examples to illustrate concepts. Tests not closely related to lecture or textbook material, so you've got to have some understanding of principles because rote memorization will get you nowhere. Canceled class w/out any notification which sucked 'cuz I've got to drive 25 mi. to get there.
He knows his economics material, but can be hard to follow, becuase he tells alot of stories that seem somewhat unrelated to the topic. His tests are multiple choice, but can be tough, since he seems to ask questions that aren't covered in class. He doesn't seem to follow the texbook much, but seems to mostly test on lecture notes.
Pretty easy if you go to class. He hands out a study guide for each test that, if you study, will pretty much guarantee you an A.
Awesome professor. Tells lots of stories that bring the concepts to reality. Would recommend him to anybody!
Very easy and funny teacher. Enjoyed his classes. Tests are easy too if you show up. Great guy.
If you go to class and pay attention you will hear every test question answered during lecture. He tells real life stories to bring home the concepts. Excellent teacher. If he is teaching ECON 317 I will be taking it from him.
John Church is probably the best teacher I've ever had. He uses real life examples and is pretty easy to follow as long as you pay attention. If you can't pass his Econ classes, you probably shouldn't be in school. He's easy and you will learn a lot of interesting information.
He is really nice and uses really life experiences. Pretty clear hands out study guides. Go to class do the work get a A
Professor Church was a truly great professor, funny as hell too. He was very clear and helpful. If you study and attend class (Though not mandatory), you should have no problem. Very respectable prof!
Good teaching, tests are easy
He is a very nice teacher and very great too. He uses real examples to help you relate the concepts, and it helps keep class interesting as well. Show up to class and you do WAY better :)
This class is almost too easy. You learn nothing about economics and he tells the same stories about 15 times. My motivation to go to class got smaller every day. He teaches about things that aren't even on the test and gives you no help on where the information was found in the book. He a is very frustrating teacher
PROFESSOR CHURCH IS THE MAN!!!! HE IS FUNNY, CLEAR ON TESTS, AND HELPFUL WHEN NEEDED. THIS IS MY SECOND CLASS THROUGH HIM AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HIS CLASS. YOU DO LEARN A TON IF YOU WRITE DOWN HIS NOTES AND READ THE CHAPTERS ACCORDINGLY. MY FRIENDS AND I LOVE HIM!!!
Not a bad professor. Uses lots of real world examples in lectures, and really wants his studetns to succed. I didn't get an A, but I also didn't see the University's recommendation to take 101 first either. I'd reccomend this teacher!
He's been around the block. He knows exactly how to teach the subject in a way you understand. very interesting guy. good professor. he meets the expectations of what a college professor should be.
I took prof Church for 201 and 202...great teacher...all test content was covered in lecture...never needed the textbook...makes things very clear through his stories...would suggest to anyone who has any interest in economics
Church uses real world examples in his lectures... sometimes he can get off track so for me it was hard to pay attention to what he was talking about. Doesn't give homework except for worksheets he goes over in class. I hardly studied and passed with a B
John Church has actually worked in his field as an economist and continues to do so. He can explain Economics with relevance and ease. One of the best professors I've had. You will need to read the book and go to class to get an A.
Overall he is a good teacher. He is funny and has engaging examples, but can get off topic easily.Some stuff he teaches doesn't exactly coincide with the book which can be difficult, but if you go to class, ask questions, study the worksheets, and read the text you should be good. His tests can be tricky, read carefully.It is possible to get an A.
Church is one of my favorite teachers. His class is very easy. No homework, just tests and short exercises that he gives the answers to. He is very funny, and tells a lot of stories. Don't waste money on the text book. You won't need it.
best teacher thus far hilarious class easy easy assignments that he gives you the answers to as a class very interesting examples that makes this tricky topic very simple
For some reason I thought the class was super boring and hard to pay attention in. He's a cool guy, I just couldn't focus. Tests aren't that bad though, he reuses them each year. Offers extra credit that will boost your grade tremendously.
Best Econ Professor. Doesn't use online program Aplia, you don't need a textbook, tests come right from lecture. No homework and assignments are done in class. He can be a little dry at times but he has awesome stories for every topic.
He is a cute old man if you're into that sort of thing. Previous test used to work on his tests but now he is making new tests so this class isn't an easy A anymore :( I didn't learn much but I also don't care about economics. Class isn't mandatory but he gives out random extra credit worth 16 points so you don't want to miss out on that.
Church is great, has great lectures and excellent oration abilities. All you have to do to get an A in his class is TAKE NOTES AND SHOW UP (there is no homework). Don't bother buying the book; you won't use it. Definitely recommend for someone with casual interest in Economics, if you really want to learn the subject well, take someone else.
John does a very good job of using real world examples to make the information relevant and understandable. He is also very passionate about the subject. There is no homework, no attendance, and you really don't need the book. However, I found the tests to be fairly difficult, even after studying the guides and practices problems
I did not learn much in this class. He just tells stories about his personal life. He does give out extra credit at the end. Tests are pretty difficult.
John is nice, but he tends to ramble about things that dont matter. His rambles usually take up the entire class and you dont really learn anything. He is a cool teacher and his tests are pretty easy as long as you study and read the book!
He does ramble, but attendance isn't needed. We almost ended up having to do the connect plus and online coursework for it. He may do it in the fall or summer of 2013. Tests were a little bit difficult. I didn't really attend, got extra credit, passed the final (which was on blackboard) with an A. Easy teacher, gotta study for tests!
John is NOT cut out for teaching. All he does during lectures is tell silly stories. I've hardly learned a thing about economics. He doesn't know how to format his tests. Why am I paying him when he didn't teach us anything??
Does not teach. Only tells stories.
Oh Church... Pretty easy class if you attend and pay even a little attention. Gives lots of extra credit and great slides on tests. Don't expect to learn much from lecture cause all he does is tell stories. On the plus side those stories are hilarious.
The Godfather of econ in Idaho. He has worked for anyone worth mentioning in the state. His lectures are a very personal view of important economic concepts for the general public. Very easy, very smart, and highly regarded. His real world experience have given him a great prospective on reality and teaching at BSU seems like a fun hobby for him.
This professor is AWFUL! When he says he will post reviews or your test on blackboard that day, expect it 3 weeks later. His lectures are boring and usually consist of pointless stories about farms that don't relate to the topics discussed in class. I don't go to class, just copy the powerpoints on blackboard and pass every test. Do not recommend.
His tests are crazy hard and only half relate to class material. The other half of the tests are focused on the tiniest detail of a slide from one of his powerpoints or something not covered in class. Quite ridiculous.
Take the class with John ..Definitely recommended .. he's very helpful, easy points for easy take home exercises, attendees is Not required. However, you have to study hard for the tests .
Easy class, if you go to class there areextra credit opportunities. Lots of stories and examples but are fun and help understand topics. Diffocult exams, but he gives additional points and study his notes
Hope you are able to teach yourself. He doesn't teach.
Take church! Don't buy the book. I went to this class MAYBE 3 times and passed with a C. If I had actually gone to class i would've gotten a B (extra credit in class) MINIMAL effort required for this class. Also, take both micro and macro from church concurrently, don't listen when they tell you not to. Literally bombed 3 exams and still passed
Church is awesome! Skipped class often, attnd not mandatory. only a handful of assignments and they all have multiple attmpts and give you the answers.Final was a take home. At the end of the semester he made our past 3 exams open so we could see all the answers and the final was word for word questions from past 3 exams. Easy A. Don't buy book
Church is a great professor has tons of real life experience has multiple degrees and truly understands students .
Don' t need to go to class or buy the book. Study for tests from PP slides and you'll do great. I taught myself everything and I get 80's and 90's on the tests. The class avg. is usually a 50% though and he always curves them up to a 75. I'm getting an A. Super easy. He doesn't respond to emails though.
John Church is the best economics professor at Boise State. Attendance is not mandatory, but he actually makes showing up to class interesting.
Talk about going to Church. His lectures are boring, monotone, and mostly have nothing to do with the powerpoints and content. If you like hearing random stories though, he's your guy. SUPER hard tests and so much extra credit due to the fact that everyone gets low test scores. If you actually want to learn ECON don't take Church.
Chruch's lectures are next to useless. 3 exams and a final make up your grade. Don't buy the book, don't go to class. He doesn't teach, just rambles. Would take again just because of the extra credit he gives out. EASIEST A OF MY LIFE.
Dr. Church likes to talk, especially about his life experiences (which may or may not pertain to economics). There are 4 tests: 1st test is a micro review, 2nd test he reviewed and gave 75% of answers, 3rd and final were both take-home. He gives lots of extra credit too. Easiest class I've ever taken.
John talks A LOT! He tells irrelevant stories for most of the class period. His test questions are extremely unclear. Told by many that he curves tests, not my class! He knows economics well but does not know how to teach to our generation. Dropped class to take from another professor. Does not cover relevant material. Expect to read the whole book
Lectures are extremely boring. I usually do other homework in his class because it's too hard to focus and I feel like I'm wasting my time. He seems nice enough and willing to help though.
His lectures are particularly entertaining if you enjoy older people telling humorous stories and anecdotes to connect to the course material! He isn't strict as far as lecture setting goes - you can come and go as you please and use electronic devices to your leisure. Even with a free copy of the book, I hardly used it. Study a bit and you'll pass
I really enjoy Church as I person. He is a nice guy that would do anything to help you but his lectures don't contain information that are helpful towards the tests. Even when i went over the slides the material was never the same for the test. The tests are a huge chunk of your grade. The only plus is that he does offer extra credit.
Lectures have nothing to do with the class and test. Gives plenty of extra credit opportunities. Attending class is not necessary.
Not an easy class, and the teacher makes it harder than ever. He never explains, his lectures are useless and his exams are hard and super confusing. Do not take econ with this teacher!
He's not the best professor. He likes to hear himself speak. Its more like you get to hear about his life than to learn economics. He gives examples yes, but nothing he says is in the book or the tests. Study the notes on the powerpoints, don't buy the book. Economics is my worst subject but I have to take it. Lucky for me, Church gives lots of EC.
His lectures are pointless, I did other homework. The only way you will get a good grade is if you have his previous tests, he doesn't change them. Lectures are often cut short, but offers almost 70 points extra credit.
He spends too much time telling stories. He has a white board to draw graphs and it gets quite confusing and crowded sometimes. If you're partially blind you won't see them. The tests are like the exercises he gives, only more in depth. He can't hold our attention and we seem more productive looking over the ppt and book ourselves with the tutors.
ANYONE who gave this "professor" anything higher than a 2 (any category) is dillusional or Mr. Church was watching them grade him. Stay away. Lectures are 80% life stories 20% econ. When and if i go, 90% (not an exaggeration) of students are: a.) doing something other than econ on their pcs b.) walking out c.) not showing up for class
His lectures don't really make sense. I stopped going after a while but my grade went up through self-studying the online powerpoints he posts. The tests are nearly impossible to guess on, you either know it or you don't. Thankfully, he posts homework assignments and the tests aren't too hard if you study a bit. Both of these factors saved my grade
Pretty long and dry lectures, and he gets sidetracked with various random stories every day. May be more beneficial to read the book while half listening to him. However, he's there to answer any questions you have. Tests are pretty hard, but get a curve often. He rewards people that come to class with a couple pop-extra credit quizzes.
Tests used different wording than in class. He offers a lot of extra credit and is pretty easy to get along with. Not much effort required, but if you don't try it will show.
Honestly this class is pointless. Dr. Church just randomly talks about stuff. The test keys are easy to find, so memorize them and get !00%. If you do that the final won't really effect your grade. You don't have to go to class, but during the last couple of months he does offer extra credit. He curves the exams.
Get ready for 3 tests and a final. There is some extra credit and he grades on a curve but don't expect that to get you through the class. Can't say I learned much from his lectures. Good thing I had the book.
Lectures are long and tough to sit through, but once in a while he says something funny. He's aight.
Legendary for not staying on topic but no worries. All the tests are on quizlet and you don't need a textbook. Great for a class that you can show up when you want.
John Church isn't the best or worst professor. He is obviously knowledgable on the subject but doesn't explain very well. The tests are hard to study for. The only assignments are online quizzes that you can do whenever. Also, don't waste your money on a new textbook. If you want one, get an old edition on amazon it's basically the same
Do not buy the textbook! His tests are hard, but are mostly on quizlet. Weird professor, and such boring lectures. Did not learn anything, but passed by memorizing for the test.
Lectures were a bit off topic and lengthy. Tests were easy to find on Quizlet. Offers occasional extra credit opportunities for showing up to class.
16 weeks of no clue what he was saying. Ended up not going to class 9 weeks in. Had to learn the material on my own. You won't need to buy the book if you prefer online material/videos over reading dry text. Only grades are 4, moderately difficult tests. Graph knowledge and understanding is crucial. Would not take again, would not recommend.
I'm sure the professor knows a whole lot about Economics, but his lectures barely touch the surface of the material that you're expected to know. 90% of your grade comes from lengthy proctored tests. Be sure to read all of the material, and use google as your study tool/ instructor. Extra credit for attendance in the last weeks of the semester.
he is very clear and will try to make things as easy as possible
Going to class is basically pointless because John never really talks about anything relating to Economics. His lectures are brutal to sit through. All the tests and exercises are on quizlet and the last two months of class he offers ec. I'm taking him again next semester because Im familiar with the format with the class.
I really believe Econ has the potential to be an interesting class but the lectures were boring af. Never replies to emails.
This class was awful
John Church is a very entertaining professor, however, he doesn't do a good job explaining the material. I would not recommend his class. All of his exams are very wordy and hard to understand, even after attending class and reading the book. The only reason he has enough students passing is because of his extra credit opportunities.
If you want to learn economics from a prof who cares, don't take John Church. If you want 3 easy credits, take this class. The exams (I think there are 5) are all pretty easy and can be studied for via quizlet flashcards or just some skimming and term memorization in the textbook. There is no other homework besides the exams.
The class is 3 exams and a final. He doesn't take attendance, so if you can teach yourself out of class, then don't bother showing up. I went maybe 8 times and finished with a high B.
The class is based on how well you do on 3 exams and the finals. There is no homework or extra credit opportunities to cushion your grade. If you're a good test taker, you'll be fine.
You can tell he is very smart and respected, with a lot of experience. And an all-around nice, funny guy. But I would have been better off teaching myself from the textbook. I went to every class for the first 3 months and hardly learned anything. The only grades you get are from tests.
You don't need the book at all! All of the tests are easily researched online and you don't even need to go to class to get an EASY A.
Really enjoyed his class. He brings real world experience to the class room. He covers core material if you pay attention. Really want to learn? Read material before class and ask relevant questions. He's willing to answer and clarify to make sure you understand material.
Grade depends on tests, two opportunities for extra credit. I went to class 1/4 of the time, followed the syllabus and did the test review sheets. I used an old edition of the book, which had the same chapters and I passed with a B+. John tells irrelevant stories that made some concepts confusing, so I stopped listening to lectures and just read.
storyteller
Only take him if you already know 100% of everything in economics. If you want to learn something out of Econ Dr. Church is a bad professor.
Professor Church is not a good professor. He does not teach anything. I think that I taught everything myself the whole semester. Attendance does matter with surprise quizzes to count for attendance. Smart work and Inquisitive assignments 2-3 a week. If you can try and take someone else!
Tests are in the testing center but study the quizlets for his class, LITERALLY they are the questions on the test with every answer. Inquizative and Smartwork due weekly, annoying but they are easy (can find answers online). He gives random quizzes in class only worth 10 points each and doesn't really affect your grade if you do bad or dont do.
His lectures are always off topic and make the subject more confusing. he also didnt cover a fraction of what he tested on. Tests were confusing to understand and counted for a massive portion of the grade you receive in the class. i could have done a better job teaching myself which is what i ended up doing.
Church is a great man and horrible teacher. Take his class for an easy A, just study quizzlet for answers (they're word for word), and take the class with friends because you can just group effort it. Don't bother going to class its a waste of time. Better off watching grass grow! (there are in class pop quizzes tho)
Professor Church takes an easy subject and complicates it while telling random stories. Attendance is not mandatory, but he does give pop quizzes that count for your "attendance" grade. The homework, quizzes, and exams are easily researchable. The textbook isn't used much, but he does test on material that comes from it.
He is boring and rambles on about random stuff. The test are difficult because you have to teach yourself. Quizlet helps ,but you pretty much on your own
This class no longer operates on quizlet. John Church is a good guy; but his lectures tend to be on the lengthy/boring side. Online homework is due weekly; one website you can easily earn up to 100% if you complete it; whereas, the other gives you three attempts per question. He hands out up to 10 pop quizzes to check attendance. Up to 32 pts E.C.
You used to be able to ace every test via quizlet, but now he's changed textbooks and there's a ton of homework. John's really nice, but I don't learn a ton. The tests are based on the Smartworks homework, and there are quizzes throughout the semester for attendance grades, as well as EC.
You have to teach yourself because he talks about random stuff during lecture. Also everyone of his test were curved because you are tested on things that aren't even on the slides. Don't study old test they don't help.
DO NOT TAKE! he talks about random subjects that are not relevant to Economics. VERY disappointed. Hard tests that are weighted heavy. but does give a curve, but it doesn't always help.
John Church is literally the WORST professor I have ever taken. When you have tests, beware that half of what is on it, you will not have learned. He goes off on different tangents during lectures, but you won't truly learn and/or understand anything he says.
Lecture heavy, too much homework. Knowledgeable professor.
Lot's of material to learn for the tests. A lot of details to remember for the test. Hard if you are not an economics major. Dr. Church is very knowledgeable and kind. Study keywords/vocab and basic concepts from the book and you will be able to pass the tests.
Professor Church is a good guy. A large lecture hall was a difficult setting for ECON202. He knowledgeable, but gets sidetracked easily and often. The course is simple, but he was good at clearing up anything poorly explained in the book. He is genuine man, I wish I had him in a harder/smaller class so I could've learned more from his experience.
Great, knowledgeable professor. Big lecture hall can make it hard to follow. study the power points, keywords and vocab and you're set. J Church is very helpful and kind if you are struggling. Some of the previous 'bad' reviews are out of line. This is not a high school class - It is up to you to take some responsibility for your own learning.
Do not I repeat do not take this class with him. You will not learn anything. He goes off on random tangents on things not related to the class. His exams are impossible to pass. I studied for hours on end and still didn't do good in this class. He does curve exams and do a little extra credit which is nice, but not enough to help you.
The best part of the class is that its organized well. There are three exams and a cumulative final in which are not too overwhelmingly difficult but require some studying outside of class given that not everything on them will be covered in depth enough during class. Overall, the lectures are lacking and not very engaging.
John Church is either a hit or miss. You either hate him or you love him. His lectures are kinda boring and hard to listen too. Throughout the semester, there will be 10 quizzes and you never know when they will be. However, he does give out at least two extra credit quizzes that do help your grade quite a bit. BE PREPARED TO TEACH YOURSELF.
Church's class is very test/quiz heavy and they are not easy. Attendance isn't mandatory except that he has pop quizzes (usually every thursday) that can tank your grade. Buttt even though he goes on tangents a lot with what he is teaching I actually think he is a good lecturer and if you listen carefully (which is hard) he explains the content wel
My best advice is to go to class only to get points on the pop quizzes since they have quite an impact on your grade but don't rely on Church to teach you anything. He skims through power points just to ramble on about Seattle or Mountain Home. Be prepared to teach yourself this entire class. If you can take another professor, do it.
John Church is one of my favorite professors on campus. His lectures are entertaining and incredibly effective. The pop quizzes are relatively easy and multiple choice, and some are open-book and/or team quizzes. He offers redemption points for quizzes towards the end of the semester. Also, there is a HUGE curve on tests.
He is a very nice guy to have as a professor. He's always respectful and usually has a nice attitude whenever he is teaching. His class is difficult if you look up quizlets for the homework he assigns. My advice would be to not cheat on homework and to learn from it because the questions on the homework are usually similar to the ones on the exams
Solid dude, it's his last year teaching and he really wants his students to go out with a bang, literally show up for quizzes and enjoy your time with one of the most respected professors on campus. Also, good luck on tests but as long as you get more than a 66 on them youll be set, big curves out here.
Prof. Church knows a lot about economics but I didn't really learn much in-class. I highly recommend actually reading and taking notes on all the chapters covered then you can basically zone out all class. Don't be tempted to skip though because he gives pop quizzes. Save all your quizzes till the end of the semester ;)
I loved Johns class! I love economics and thought he did a great job of teaching the concepts. Don't skip class, there are quizzes he gives randomly, but from time to time will let you make some up. He curves exams by A LOT!! So if you are afraid of tests try your best and he will help. Take responsibility, you're not in high school anymore!
Really easy going, definitely know's what he's talking about and conveys this info in easy to follow lectures. Grading criteria is a little confusing, but he drops your worst quiz scores so typically your grade will be better than you expect. Textbook is optional, but definitely helps. As well, attendance isn't enforced but pop quizzes are regular.
Not a good teacher. Very test and quiz heavy. He doesn't always tell you there is going to be a quiz so always be prepared/show up to every class. He does let you take the quiz's you missed the next class tho. The lectures teach you some material but don't help you understand much. Take advantage of the note card he lets you use on tests!!!!!!!!!!!
This man was so confusing. Ranted on his days in Seattle more. He taught what he wanted and the tests weren't even his so they didn't have the same content. Each exam taught you that you weren't learning in class. Seemed like a man who didn't care to have students succeed.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
14%
Textbook Required
64%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.59 avg changeRatings by Course
ECONOMICS
5.0
(1)ECONECON
5.0
(1)ECN201
5.0
(1)ECON303
4.0
(2)ECN202
3.9
(10)Difficulty by Course
202
5.0
201
4.0
ECON202001
3.7
ECON303
3.0
ECON101
3.0