he was a solid professor

knows his stuff, makes it clear, teaches it well. quizzes are fair, finals is fair. very uncontroversial. i think that everyone would agree that he is a good professor.

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Uses a lot of powerpoint. The lectures were pointless -- he just reads off his slides, word for word. Quizzes, tests, and homework were pretty easy and graded fairly.

Really wants students to do well. TAKE 109 NOT 1 and 2 if you are a Pol Sci Major!

I really like his experimental approach to Econ. He seems to care if we understand the material and although he does just read off the slides found on the class web page, he tests students in class and does examples so we test our understanding.

took his class way back. homework assignments are easy, quizzes are manageable, but results from experimental projects in section shouldn't count so much towards final grade (all based on luck)

I'm not an Econ major and my grade shows it. Such a mistake taking this class. Sooo boring, but surprisingly makes the material clear. I'd still pass it up if I were you.

The curve in this class is so AWESOME!! Sonstelie is a good professor too, although you have to study the book a lot cuz the lectures really don't correspond with the quizzes (the quizzes r hard too). This econ course is MUCH easier than crouch's though.

I loved the section experiments...but the quizes were surprisingly difficult.

this class is actually fun in a way...professor is awesome...probably one of the coolest professor i've had... lectures are short and helpful...if your going to take econ 1...take Sonstellie....u'll like it

His lectures were very clear, but found quizes and tests a little difficult. I HATE econ but somehow really enjoyed him. Nice man, very approachable. word on the street is that he's the best prof for econ 1.

His class is taught in a juvenile way...with stupid games and stuff. But if you're not that interested in Econ, it makes it more entertaining at least. IT IS HARD though, you have to work to get an A, like nobody does anyways.

great professor, easy to aproach and ask questions. I don't know why these people are saying the class is difficult. My easiest class by far. No studying required

The best prof I had so far. I'm only a freshman but his lectures are VERY clear. I totally appreciate the way he explains everything slowly. I would totally recommend taking this course I liked it and it was very interesting!! I also like the book and the experiments!

He is pretty cool. He wants you to understand the material and tries to simplify things down for you to undeerstand. The class is different because of the experiments that you participate in. His website is always updated and lecture notes are always online.

Interesting Class, it's a different approach with the experiments. The quizzes can be fairly difficult, but as long as you do your homework you should do alright.

I really enjoyed this class. Professor was really clear and straightforward. The experiments were really fun and homework labs were very useful. The quizzes and final were kind of hard but nothing unexpected. Good class for those who want to take econ 1.

he made everything very clealy, and he's really nice. the class is fairly easy. His curves r awesome!! u dont really need go to lectures, cuz everything is on his website.

Very nice guy, likes to talk to students outside of class. Also relates Economics to government policy, which I found interesting.

I personally enjoyed his lectures, he's one of those profs who try to make things interesting by attempting jokes and not succeeding (but it's still funny b/c he tries), he's very clear, and very organized, very helpful, kind of sounds like an older version of Ross from "Friends" :)

The course is well-run technologically. The exams are not hard because they just relate to a few theories, but they are also hard because in order to get good grades, u have to make sure that ur mind is perfectly clear and sharp during the tests. A bit hard to get an A, partly depends on your IQ.

sooo many people did pass/no pass for this class because it was experimental. a lot of people ended up with C's. the lectures are not mandatory b/c notes are online, and sometimes it's a waste of time to go. other than that, if you keep up with homework, participation, ect, you'll be ok.

He was a very fair grader. You got out of the class what you put in

he is very nice...sometimes he takes the long way with problems

Very nice Professor who tried to help the best he could. Lectures were nice and short and the grading was very fair. He did tend to make problems and explanations more difficult then thay had to be. His quiz prep sessions are EXTREMELY helpful so always go to them. My favorite econ professor so far.

it was quict interesting. its nice how all his lectures are online, and he got all these practice quizes before his actual quizes, and for the most part, i enjoyed the class. but...lecture kinda gets boring at times...

Such an easy class and such a nice professor. He goes very slowly to ensure that you understand the material. All poli sci majors should take econ 109 in leu of 1 & 2!!!

Easy enough class. Don't bother going to lecture, just look over slides over and over again. Tests are ridiculous-there's no partial credit where there should be. Do well in sections, or else it will be impossible to get a good grade. Course grading scale makes class fair.

I would not take this class unless you need to for your major. 40% of grading comes through the sections but as you double check your homework and go to every lecture this class is not so bad.

He publishes all the possible test questions before the test but they are quite challenging questions. He had a reader for the course that had a variety of interesting and relevant topics. Some of the material is very complicating and a little dull but some of the material is really interesting. Just depends on the topic.

This is the best Econ class I've taken, by far. He is such a kind and interesting professor, and seems really understanding. The reading isn't bad, and there's not much of it, and no awful econ text, only a reader. It's not too hard to do well if you study and go to class :)

This professor is great. He breaks up great so you wont have to worry about messing up in 1 test. He drops your lowest scores. He is very clear and teaches the subject well. Overall great class.

Just accept the fact that you'll most likely get a C. His grading system requires perfection for that A (only 15% get an A), so good luck! The class itself though is very valuable and he's a good professor. Even though I got a C+, I learned the equivalent of an A.

Great Professor,very nice, likes to have fun in class and covers relevant material. 3 quizzes, 1 MT and 1 Final, homework almost weekly. Class website is good and alot of outside help is available if needed. If you don't do well it's on you. Only gripe is he's a little too quick on the slides. My TA was also horrible, find one that actually cares.

great professor and a great class. truely one of the best classes i've had at ucsb. a little tougher grader than most profs but he gives you all the tools to succeed in his class. no textbook, only a reader which are full of pretty interesting readings. if you have the chance, take this class with him!

Nice Man. Was able to explain the concepts in a way that I could understand. However there were somethings he did that made no sense such as the grading of the homework and not being allowed to use a calculator on the tests.

Solid.

Honestly, this is a hard class. The midterms and finals are very challenging, the section eetixperiments are stressful and sommes unfair, the clicker questions are irrelevant to the tests,and the homework is tedious (go to CLAS!)...but overall in the end you actually learn and know the material. Isnt that the whole point of college.

It sort of blows my mind that there are so many people complaining about professor Sonstelie. Professor Sonstelie's lectures are clear and well organized, and he's very open to helping you during office hours. If you: really study for quizzes and tests, read the book, and do the practice Q's/old quizzes you'll do well. It's really not that hard...

I thought professor stonstelie was an amazing teacher. He is extremely well organized and really wants us to learn. You have hw, 3 quizzes, and then a final. Grade is broken up into many parts so pretty much everyone gets at least a c. Section is only required for half the quarter, then voluntary after that!

Useful class, especially during these economic times. It puts things into perspective and is one of the most relevant econ classes. However the midterm and final are time consuming. Midterm is 13 or so essays. he picks one for the test. the Final is the original 13 plus 13 more. so 26, and he picks 2. Reading every day, and easy quiz every class.

He is helpful and understandable. If you want to ace his class, read the sections of the book that are assigned before discussion sections. The book is interesting clear. Lectures complement the rest. My advice is, do NOT waste your time taking notes in class. Just come prepared and listen to what he has to say.

The only reason this class is rated low in easiness is because of the Department curve which is very screwed. I wouldn't take this class unless you had to for your major.

Professor Sonstelie is great. The class really benefits people who study and work hard. If you study hard for the quizzes, go to class, and listen, then you are set. I had a high A, it was my easiest class of the quarter.

Only 13% of the class gets an A- or above and only 30% with a B- and above so do not take this class unless you are an econ major. It is a hard class but fun if you are into it.

This is an easy class if you put an effort into it. The midterms are exactly like the practice midterms (those who say the opposite had no clue what he was quizzing us on then). The homework is retarded and takes 2 mins to do. However, read the reading VERY carefully and you'll ace the class! (This was the easiest A to obtain)

great guy! makes class fun and interesting. attendance is mandatory since we have iclicker questions everyday and are counted towards your grade. Test are relatively hard and homework can be a bit challenging at times. TA's are awesome and are always willing to led a helping hand. CLAS doesnt help at all i recommend going to TA's for help.

Sonstelie was an excellent professor and explained things very well. Just the tests are harder than what he teaches in lecture so be sure to do the practice midterms and you'll do fine.

Very clear and simple lectures. Forces you to attend lecture with the iclickers and answering those iclicker questions are part of your grade. Quizzes are simple and not too hard, but very easy to make a simple mistake. This class is not an easy A since only a certain percentage can get A's. I suggest only econ majors to take this class.

He's a good professor and a really really nice guy. The class itself tends to be pretty tough. Tests are difficult. The questions are very trick and the curve is pretty rough. It's okay to miss a few lectures since he drops the five lowest clicker scores. The labs are a lot of fun and its awesome to apply theory to the real world.

Professor Sonstelie has a good personality. However, his lectures can be somewhat boring because he does not involve the class much. Reading is not super important, but is very helpful. Class is not too hard, but not easy to get an A in. Top 6% get an A, next 6% get an A-. Not much homework in the class at all. Quizzes almost every other week.

this class is really hard and requires alot of studying and you have to understand, not just memorize. attend class because of iclickers, but the lectures go by surprisingly fast. lecture slides are online too

Really hard to get an A, you really have to understand the material and study a lot to do well on the quizzes and final. Not a bad class though if you're not worried about getting an A

Professor Sonstelie is a really nice guy and cares alot about economics. However the class is pretty challenging, especially the quizzes. You have to attend lecture because we use iclickers but you're allowed to miss 5 lectures. Homework is easy and the reading is not bad at all. Interesting and useful class but hard to get an A.

Good professor but a hard class. the curve makes it really difficult to get an A. If you are an econ major make sure you know everything he goes over front and back or else you will probably end up getting a c making it harder for you to get into the major

He is a nice man. His lectures are fun and interesting. If you really wanna do well, go to CLAS and try to review his lectures often. If you can do just that, an A is not that hard.

a very good prof. very clear and experienced. explains things thoroughly. go to OH if youre confused and he will clarify anything. do the readings bc they appear on the test. quizzes are hard so make sure to study, but online practice tests are helpful

Good class with useful information to everyday life. Small so there a lot of interaction between students and teacher. useful discussions. test questions are given ahead of time and there is a quiz each class of a reading

This class was the crown jewel in my economics education at UCSB. If you're looking for a truly thought-provoking course, this is it. If you're looking for an "easy A," look elsewhere. This class requires a lot of work, but it is a truly gratifying intellectual endeavor.

Teacher was funny and tried to be engaging, but the class is hard. You must know the concepts very well and do the practice problems and tests online to succeed. If you study hard, you'll be fine. 3 midterms, one final, participation, experiments, and homework.

Great professor! speaks really clearly and powerpoints are super helpful. but the class is still pretty difficult so don't underestimate the simplicity of lectures

Great professor, he enjoys teaching and tries to explain things no matter how long it takes. The class is not easy, but if you study hard you will do well. Uses iClickers every class which is kinda annoying. Make sure you study before the "quizzes" he gives 3 and a Final. They are huge parts of your grade.

Sontelie is the most adorable (in an old man way) econ professor you will ever have. He's very clear during lectures, and as long as you keep up with the reading, the curve should be in your favor. You don't need to take notes during lecture if you've already done so with the reading. Just listen and answer clickers q's!

good professor, clear, quizzes are tricky, but study hard, read and you should do okay.

Would not advise taking if not for your major. Lecture attendance is mandatory for the most part (IClicker). hw can be annoying in how messing one calculation up can result in a chain of missed points. only complaint about quizzes are that the way the questions are worded was why i never got a 100% on one. overall a nice guy, knows his stuff.

Sonstelie is a boss. The class is amazing, so well organized and you can tell that he is there to TEACH! Tips for success: (1) Go to class (2) finish the homework with a friend and then double check it with the TA (3) Dedicate almost ALL of your studying time to the practice tests, and do them over and over

was a good professor. sections were fun, sometimes the professor would come in to do the activities too. yahoo email ucsbgrl if anyone needs to buy the reader! has really good examples in class to make you understand more

the curve makes the class hard but if you put in the effort you should get a decent grade

I love this professor a lot! I know a lot of students don't like him because this course is hard to get a good grade. However, if you study hard and listen every lecture, you will get a good grade! He is really a great professor! He is strict, but he is the one who wants his students understand economics and learn knowledge! And he is a nice prof!

Professor teaches well and knows his Economics. However, course is way too competitive due to the curve. Did above average on all quizzes + final, 100% on clickers and participation, A on homework and received a B- in course. if you are pre-major for Econ/accounting/math, a 2.85 is needed for acceptance into major. Good Luck...

He was a nice guy, but he definitely makes his tests to weed out struggling students. I changed from being an economics major after taking his class.

Sonstelie is tricky but offers everything you need to succeed. The Econ program at UCSB is so good that there's a DEPARTMENT-WIDE curve on ALL Pre-Econ Major courses made ESPECIALLY to weed out students. Not his fault it's hard to get an A! That being said, there are many resources to do well in Econ1 to get a good average going into future courses

I studied my ass off and only got a B+ but its not his fault the econ dept forces the curve on him! Take him if you want a teacher thats on top of their stuff. Tests are graded same day, grades in immediately and he personally creates awesome study resources. Best prof I had so far.

Prof. Sonstelie has this class down after years of teaching it. The lectures are all digestible amounts of information. The resources to succeed are plentiful. Obviously the curve makes it very difficult to get an A, but getting a B- or higher isn't overly difficult. The true/false questions were very tricky but overall the tests weren't bad.

Honestly,he is a good teacher. He gives u practice tests, preps for the tests, and posts up lectures..those are plenty of resources. do all practice tests and u should be prepared for tests. however, it is A LOT of work and time. if you need the grade to get into econ major, i suggest taking 12 units.do not take it if u think it is an easy g.e

He makes his lectures small and compact and explains everything pretty well. His tests are tricky and it’s more about knowing the small tricks he might ask you then knowing the material. He’s not a bad teacher. It’s the curve that is difficult. Don’t take this class unless you’re an economics major.

Sonstelie is a pretty good teacher, just the subject is going to be difficult no matter what. The Economics curve kills!! He's been doing this for a while so he knows what he's doing but it's either you get it or you don't.

The concepts of microeconomics are not difficult but only 6% get As. Very competitive. He posts notes online which is very helpful. The quizzes (should be called midterms) are only out of 10 questions and are 30% of your grade. I got an A-, .03% short of an A (the curve is strict) and worked my ass off for it. iclicker pts in lecture count.

This professor is legendary within the Economics department at UCSB, and seriously knows his stuff. He cares about how his students do in the future, and put in the curve to lower grade inflation (a major issue at colleges across the country). If you pay attention and do the homework you will do well!

He gives you everything you need to be successful in the class (practice tests, online worksheets, a cheap and concise reader), but you REALLY have to study all of these things to get a good grade! Just showing up is not enough. The curve is harsh (only top 6% get A's) but if you work hard and study you should be able to pull out a decent grade.

Sonstelie is a very personable guy and is a character. You can tell he really enjoys his job and cares about his students learning. I will say however, do not take this class if you are not an econ major. It is not an easy GE. If you are in the major though, don't worry. Just utilize ALL the materials and CLAS and an A-/A is definitely possible.

The course was interesting, but very challenging. Sonstelie gives you the tools succeed, you just have to untilize them. Take CLAS, do the practice tests online, and go to lecture. There are iClicker questions every class, and the quizzes are very, very hard.

He's okay... The class itself is really difficult and he tries to make it as simple as possible. The class has a huge curve at the end in which you need a 55% to pass with a C. So it's all doable.

Easy class to pass if you are not an Econ major. If you are trying to be an Econ major, stay focused in this class and always practice the problems, he teaches u some but u need to know how to teach urself as well...

This class is not easy, but with that said I would recommend this class to anyone at UCSB. If you apply yourself you are guaranteed at least a C, and a great understanding of some very beneficial information regardless of your major. Must take if you are serious about your education. Highly recommend!!

Don't underestimate the class.DO THE PRACTICE EXAMS AND GET HELP IN THE BEGINNING.I thought Stonstelie was a good professor, he did his job and was also very engaging. Professors usually just stay on stage and talk the whole time but Stonstelie actually moves around the hall and also gives good visual representations along with relatable examples.

Class is hard because of the curve, but the material was easy to understand and he wants you to do well. He posts all the lectures online which helped me a lot. I think as long as you attend class and go over lectures you will be fine. He's definitely one of the better professors I've had at SB.

Professor Sonstelie is extremely helpful and very nice. His lectures are simple and easy to understand. The curve is tough, but if you apply yourself you should at least come out with a B. I would definitely take another one of his classes. :)

One of the best at explaining Microeconomics!

His lectures really help you understand the content, but I've found that they are much easier than the actual tests. Going over the past exams is a MUST!!! If you have those down, you will do well.

Super intelligent guy, engaged in each of his lectures. The content is pretty basic, nothing impossible. Keep up with lectures and reading and learn from experiments in section. Light work load, but the tests are stressful even though they're not too tricky. Definitely enjoyed this class even though I fell behind and got a bit lost.

I loved Sonstelie's class. His tests are directly from the readings and lectures, so do the reading and go to lecture(Plus lectures are interesting and interactive)! You have to really understand the concepts to do well on the tests, and the curve sucks. Only take it if you are an econ major because it is hard, but overall great class!

If you go to his every lecture and do all the past exams, this class shouldn't be very hard for you. I put in a lot of efforts and get an A

I LOVE PROF. SONSTELIE. He sometimes gets his numbers mixed up while he's lecturing probably because he's old, but it doesn't take away from teaching the concept. His quizzes and finals are fair. Just study all the practice exams, and go to CLAS and drop in! The material itself isn't hard, but the curve gets some people. He's like a grandpa!

The economics department grading system sucks, was off from an A- by 0.1%. But, it doesn't change the fact he's a good teacher. Took AP Economics in high school, didn't really undestand what was going on or why the curves went this way or that way but he solidfied it. Just pay attention in lecture.

In order to get a good grade, obviously the curve has to be in your favor, but you can make it in your favor if you read the book and do the questions at the back of each chapter. Tests are not math heavy and fairly straightforward. Grade based off one midterm and final. Prof. Sonstelie explains what he wants you to take away from each lecture.

Quite hard class considering tests are the grade and need to self study a lot to pass. 3 Midterms and 1 Final is 100% of your grade, and getting couple wrong will hurt each test since they are short. A somewhat generous curve, however, will help you.

he talks slower than the other 10A professor which I thought was helpful to me because I have more time to figure out what he was saying. 10A is all about the ppt he posted online, you have to know and understand the concept of the ppt. The practice exams are helpful, but make sure you UNDERSTAND the ppt!

He is an engaging professor in class. I Went to his office hours a lot last quarter because he was so helpful, and personable. The class is tough... BLAH BLAH BLAH, if you're going to take 10A then you already know what you're in for. I recommend not just staying on top of the material, but studying ahead.

He made sure to go through every single pp and answered all of our questions. When I went to his office hours he explained what I had to study to improve. Seriously, do the practice exams! Also, make sure to go over the pp slides because sometimes the exam questions are very similar. Definitely a hard class! But doable.