2.7

Lawrence Officer

Economics - University of Illinois Chicago

2.7
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
31%
Would Retake
150
Reviews
2.7
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
2.5
Clarity

31%

Would Retake

150

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

26

4

27

3

31

2

25

1

41

What Students Say

I've spoken with plenty of people and they all hate his class

ECON120 - 1.0 rating

Not bad as a person but not really a good lecturer

ECON120 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

10%

Textbook Required

36%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 57 grades
Most common grades:
A (24)
B (15)
Not sure yet (7)
Grade Distribution
A(28)B(15)C(6)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 66 reported grades
A: 24
B: 15
Not sure yet: 7
C: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (15)
LECTURE HEAVY (15)
Skip class? You won't pass. (11)
Lecture heavy (11)
Graded by few things (10)
Test heavy (9)
Respected (7)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (6)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.86 avg change
Jan
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ECON210

5.0

(2)

ECON

4.5

(2)

121

4.0

(1)

ECONOMICS

4.0

(1)

120

3.0

(1)
+7 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ECON218

3.6

ECON121

3.4

ECON130

3.2

ECON120

3.1

120

3.0

Reviews (150)
5.0
2.0
ECON218
Apr 21, 2004

An excellent teacher. Lectures are long, but he tries his best to make them amusing and interesting.

4.0
3.0
ECON218
Aug 16, 2004

Very Unique!Dont go to class unless you understand what he's teaching...tests on the book.I busted my balls and went to every class and got a B while a friend who never went got an A.Hes nice, but the material was tough.I would reccomend him to a friend.

5.0
3.0
ECON
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Sep 17, 2004

No Comments

4.0
4.0
ECON121
Jan 10, 2005

Don't bother going to class unless you already understand/like economics. I went to every lecture and still didn't understand. He is very helpful and tries to make class interesting. He loves economics and Bill Gates.

5.0
4.0
ECON218
May 16, 2005

Officer is an amazing professor! He makes boring microeconomics seems interesting. It helps that he is very enthusiastic about the subject, and he is also a funny man. Grading is fair, he provides a study guide that MUST have taken effort to create, and he can communicate the concepts well. I recommend his econ classes.

4.0
3.0
ECONOMICS
Sep 2, 2005

Quote from the first week of Professor Officer's Econ130 class- "If you're a coke dealer and coming here to be more efficent, that's ok!" Most overused words- "It's True! It's True!"

2.0
3.0
ECONOMY
Sep 29, 2005

No Comments

2.0
3.0
ECONOMY
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Sep 29, 2005

His handwriting is COMPLETELY chicken scratches and he goes off topic a lot - to the point where everyone just tunes out, but by the time they tune back in they realize they just missed 5 minutes of what he said. He knows the material - he's just so boring.

2.0
4.0
ECON130
Oct 24, 2005

this dude is crazy.

3.0
3.0
ECON130
Oct 25, 2005

Funnies man alive. Its hard to follow the classes because they drag on due to lengh and he gets off topic which makes it hard to follow at points. but his catch phrases are worth the price of admission alone. he says the wackiest**** like calling his wife "wife" or saying "its true its true" after everything or telling us that we can make meth in the basements of our homes.

3.0
2.0
ECON130
Nov 17, 2005

Great guy! Tries to be funny in lectures. Favourite quote is 'its true' & 'fugheadaboudid' Makes the same jokes over and over again. Not really clear in lectures. Assumes students know a lot of stuff that he teaches but this is an introductionary economics class. I would say the tests are decent if you study for them and come to the lectures. i wou

4.0
3.0
ECON130
Dec 7, 2005

Great teacher, I think. You have to do work and read the textbook in order to follow along, though. You CANNOT depend on his notes, because they are crap. But he's a great man, and crazy! It's True, It's True! Ding-how!

4.0
3.0
ECON130
Jan 9, 2006

I thought he was a great teacher. I thought he explained things really well and if you didn't understand the question, you just had to ask about it.

5.0
5.0
ECON218
May 1, 2006

superfunny guy... it's not his fault that econ is hard but he tries not to make it boring. very, very helpful. tests are ok... i went to every class and passed the tests without studying at home. i would recommend the guy big time!

4.0
2.0
ECON130
Aug 31, 2006

Officer is a very cool guy (oh its true..its true!). He tries to make the class interesting by telling you funny stories and relates the material to real life situations. The lectures get boring sometimes and the material can be difficult but hey thats why its called Econ. Overall I think his class is "ding how."

5.0
2.0
ECON130
Sep 26, 2007

He is the funniest teacher ever, he cracks me up everytime we have class!he's also very nice and his class is pretty easy! :)

3.0
4.0
ECON130
Oct 17, 2007

Funny teacher. Made class intersting. Go to every class or you wont get good grades.

5.0
2.0
ECON218
Dec 7, 2007

He's one of the best teachers at UIC, I took both 130 and 218 with him and I must say I absolutely love him! DING HOW!! :-)

5.0
4.0
ECON210
Jan 11, 2008

I had Prof Officer 19 years ago at Michigan State University. By far, he was the best prof I had in four years. Tests were fair and based on lecture notes and book, multiple choice back then. Great sense of humor and was able to take complex theories and make them understandable and interesting.

4.0
4.0
ECON120
Jan 16, 2008

Boring material, but good teacher. I suggest reading before you go to class, it makes the lectures easier to follow!

2.0
3.0
ECON130
Apr 8, 2008

Most annoying professor. Scribbles on overheard makes talking notes useless. Extends his words and talks like a retard to imitate students thoughts. Easy tests but is anal

3.0
1.0
ECON120
Nov 18, 2008

interesting guy, told a lot of jokes. handwriting on overhead was illegible. tests are easy if you review lecture notes well. best part was no homework unlike other micro econ profs

3.0
2.0
ECON120
Apr 8, 2009

good teacher but doesn't assign any other xtra pts to improve grades (only exams and 3 extra credit pts)

1.0
5.0
ECON218
May 17, 2009

I've done two years in college, and I can honestly say he's the worse professor I've ever had. His handwriting is unreadable,he wastes time in class,he doesn't explain anything and class just seemed long a long (it was 1 hour 40 min) waste of time. This guy is way past his prime and should retire. What a horrible professor.

2.0
3.0
ECON218
May 20, 2009

Notes which he gives student in the beginning of the semester is critical. Should study based on notes and lectures. Bad thing: class is so long and boring

3.0
4.0
ECON120
Aug 20, 2009

He's amusing. Tests are rough, you need to study everything on the study guide!!

4.0
4.0
ECON120
Aug 24, 2009

Nice guy and only gives out 3 assignments, 2 midterms, and a final. Kinda funny and his handwriting is bad (difficult to see). Have to study the study guide and read the book otherwise you're kinda screwed. Doesn't give out extra credit which hurts you if you did bad on a test or the homeworks. Class can be boring at times.

3.0
5.0
ECON218
Sep 19, 2009

He really cares about the students. However! His notes are friggin hieroglyphics and his methods are unorthodox. I have only gotten three B's, all the rest A's at UIC my college career and this was one of them. I could not figure out how to be successful in his class. Smart guy but can be stubborn about ambiguous exam questions. Good luck.

3.0
5.0
ECON130
Nov 12, 2009

If you have never taken Econ before i wouldn't recommend this teacher. His test are hard and difficult, and they are only 20 questions for 300 pages on notes! I personally wouldn't take any of him other Economics classes because he is hard to understand and his handwriting in even worse. BUT he's a very nice guy and funny

3.0
3.0
ECON130
Nov 16, 2009

as stated in previous comments, going to class doesnt seem to help your case unless you understand the material before going to lecture. rambles on and on about some things, yet completely passes by others. writing is extremely unclear. recommend looking over syllabus after every couple of classes to make sure you understand each topic fully.

1.0
3.0
ECON130
Nov 18, 2009

worst teacher ever. writing is horrible. they way he teaches material is horrible. review seesions are usually when students have other classes. ta's dont even help alot. his jokes are the worst ever.lecture is soo boring. he strays off into other topics. i never want to take another econ class because of him. DONT TAKE HIM...

2.0
4.0
ECON130
Nov 20, 2009

I once loved econ!! Prior to taking this class I had already taken econ in HS, the way he ?tries? to explain things just doesn?t work. Great that he is an educated man, but still not a great teacher. He writes terrible!! Ugh just don?t take this class with him! If you do, it?s a great placed to sleep!!!

4.0
2.0
ECON130
Dec 16, 2009

Goofy professor that kept me interested in something im not a big fan of, economics. Hes a good guy and not to mention jewish. Go to his lectures cause he gives away test questions that arent in the coursebook or text. Im excited to take 218 with him next semester, DINGHOW!

4.0
3.0
ECON130
Jan 6, 2010

You either love Officer or you can't stand him. He says silly little phrases and randomly gets louder for one word of a sentence. The people who said class was worthless did not do the reading before lecture. If you do the reading before the lecture and attend lectures you will get at least a B. *remember the homeworks, people always forgot them*

2.0
5.0
ECON130
Apr 5, 2010

He's a really goofy guy for someone his age and he likes to show that in his lectures,but they can still drag like no other! His handwriting is absolutely incomprehensible and his tests are more difficult than you would think. Makes this class frustrating.If you don't NEED to take this class as a requirement, don't do it. GPA killer + huge stressor

1.0
5.0
ECON120
Apr 6, 2010

This is honestly, the worst class I have ever taken. He's extremely arrogant and talks down to his students. I'm majoring in teaching and he spoke of "Lowly highschool teachers". Writing is illegible. He says "eeeeeeeeeeelastic". I never missed the class, but the lectures don't help unless you read. Don't take him. My GPA was 3.84 before his class

4.0
2.0
ECON120
Apr 10, 2010

The class isn't that hard if you study from the book according to the study guide he gives you. It mostly is a self-taught class but his lectures are also helpful. And yes, he is very goofy, so that makes the lecture less boring than it should be. 2 midterms, 25 q's each, 1 final 50 q's and 3 extra credit HW's.

2.0
4.0
ECON130
May 3, 2010

He is very educated. However, he does not teach very well and expects us to already know what all the economic terms and abbreviations mean. The only reason I got an A is I had some prior knowledge from high school. He does show and occasional sense of humor and talks about drugs in one of the lectures.

2.0
2.0
ECON130
Jul 4, 2010

Really weird guy. Uses the same terms over and over again. Overhead notes are ILLEGIBLE so you MUST read the textbook and take your own notes in order to try to survive in his class. Try sitting towards the front because for some reason it made a difference and he got to know you better so that helps

2.0
2.0
ECON218
Jul 4, 2010

Weird guy. Uses the same terms over and over again. Overhead notes are ILLEGIBLE so you MUST read the textbook and take your own notes in order to try to survive in his class. Try sitting towards the front because for some reason it made a difference and he got to know you better so that helps. Exams aren't too difficult-Based on vocab and graphs

5.0
2.0
ECON120
Oct 1, 2010

Very funny man! Seems very interested in learning and can be quite lenient if you talk to him. Exams are moderately difficult but just study and keep up with your textbook work. Love his examples! Makes light of boring topics. I recommend the class!

2.0
4.0
ECON218
Oct 15, 2010

He clearly knows what he is talking about BUT the problem is, he doesn't know how to teach it. He writes notes on an overhead but you can't read what he writes. There are only a few exams to base your grade on. If you're looking for an easy professor, this is not the one for you. This class is doable, but you're gonna have to work extra hard at it.

1.0
5.0
ECON218
Nov 4, 2010

One of the worst professors at UIC that I've had. Does not teach, just messes around for two hours every lecture. Has a weird love for Bill Gates and Microsoft. Just because he went to Harvard does not mean he can teach.

5.0
1.0
ECON120
Nov 11, 2010

If u are looking for a class u don't want to attend, this is it!! Class is super easy. Lectures are pointless to go to because the notes are illegible. You 'll only need to attend lectures when he gives a free question from the exam. Even then its your call. The syllabus is just sick!!! it pretty much tells u where and what line to start and end. s

3.0
4.0
ECON218
Nov 12, 2010

Major advices: Don't go class. Notes are dumb and illegible. Best way to learn this class is by reading the book. He tells you exactly what to read on his syllabus. There are only 2 midterms and 1 final.Exams are tough, but curves a lot. If you read from the book you at least will get a B for sure.

5.0
1.0
ECON120
Nov 24, 2010

Explains subject well and keeps it interesting. Lecture notes are helpful. Yes, at times there are less legible words, but just ask and he will rewrite it. Exams are not hard, just pay attention in class, and you don't even have to read the book!

2.0
5.0
ECON218
Nov 28, 2010

I have encountered several people who have taken Officer's class and they all have the same reaction. I'm a pretty good student when it comes to studying and attending class but this professor was seriously incomprehensible and rambles! Tests were hard and only out of 25 points! Please do yourself a big favor and pick another professor if possible.

4.0
2.0
ECON120
Nov 29, 2010

His writing is sometimes illegible but he cares for his students enough to take the time to review with you. He tries to make jokes...tries and keeps it bearable, Drink caffeine before class and read book before test. Only 3 HW assignments.

5.0
2.0
ECON121
Nov 29, 2010

I love this guy, he's so nice and funny. I think the people who give him a bad rating are just not good students. I'm not even a good student myself and I thought his tests were really easy. He writes messy but he's really funny and his class overall isn't so bad.

3.0
1.0
ECON120
Dec 10, 2010

Easy class if you have have some sort of common sense. Curves like crazy on easy tests. Starts class with relevant information but then is extremely boring. Looking for easy gen ed take this class!!!

4.0
1.0
ECON120
Dec 13, 2010

All lectures are him writing on an overhead and his hand writing SUCKS. Impossible to read. Tests are curved and homework is mandatory but counts as extra credit. You only have three homework assignments a semester and they are really easy. Take this class if you want an easy A, all you need is common sense.

3.0
2.0
ECON120
Jan 7, 2011

Funny dude, has tons of stuff to say. He writes on the overhead and yes the handwriting throws people off. Mandatory homework, but it's only three book assignments--all counting as extra-credit. Pay attention and use your common-sense and you'll be fine.

1.0
5.0
ECON218
Apr 4, 2011

He lectures like an economist. He does not give real world examples that are easily understood by the students. DO NOT ENROLL IN HIS CLASSES! YOU WILL BE SORRY!

4.0
1.0
ECON120
Apr 13, 2011

EASY gen ed class. I mean a EASY A. Huge curve, three assignments the whole year, but lectures do get boring.

5.0
3.0
ECON218
Nov 30, 2011

Class isn't over yet but he has been one of the better professors I have taken in my life. Three exams each year. He gives the most detailed notes/study guide I have ever encountered. Fantastic class..

1.0
3.0
ECON120
Apr 9, 2012

Go to class and you have no idea what he's talking about. Easiest class though, not a lot of hw. only 3 homework throughout the semester and u can find them online. the tests are just hard.

1.0
4.0
ECON130
Jul 18, 2012

Impossible to read his handwriting and he goes so fast while talking. Sometimes TA's give out free answers so go to discussion! He is useless to talk to because he doesn't see a problem in his teaching. The average test scores were failing grades. Curve at end, but the class still sucks!

5.0
2.0
ECON120
Jul 18, 2012

this is one of the best professor in the world. He teaches very well, funny, educated and extremely smart. sometimes i sneak into his lectures for fun.

4.0
3.0
ECON120
Jul 23, 2012

I didn't really like his lectures because they are really boring, and anything he writes on the projector are poorly drawn graphs. But he does want to help as much as possible, he even gave out his home #. The only homework was extra credit. Exams weren't too bad. There was a slight curve.

5.0
2.0
ECON218
Nov 14, 2012

Really good professor, because of him I started liking economics!!!!! He is really smart and funny! Class was a little hard but his notes and TAs were really helpful. He curves the tests

1.0
4.0
ECON218
Nov 15, 2012

Do not take him! Worst hand Writing in the world!

5.0
1.0
ECON120
Nov 16, 2012

Simply put: Don't pay attention to these other comments. Officer is a great and easy instructor. His lectures are straightforward with plenty of examples. His handwriting might be illegible, but as long as you're listening, you know what they are. I have put only a few hours outside of class and have over 100 percent. Just pay attention in lecture.

3.0
2.0
MICRO101
Nov 27, 2012

Horrbile hand writing. Blurred speech. I basically had to learn by reading the book by myself. The TAs are more helpful than the actual professor.

1.0
3.0
ECON218
Dec 5, 2012

Officer is one of the worst teachers I have ever had. He rambles on frequently talking about non-economic topics. Exams receive average grades well below the failing point so he curves like crazy. He went to an Ivy League University, and he makes you feel that since you're at UIC you are inferior. Officer is years past when he should have retired.

3.0
2.0
ECON120
Dec 17, 2012

There were very few,short homework assignments,all were extra credit and easy.Supposed to read and do optional homework,but I never did.He gave study guides for the exams and final.I did not take one of the exams and did not tell him,and failed another exam due to not studying.I studied for like 2 hours for final.Got a C in the class. Study sessio

3.0
2.0
ECON218
Jan 10, 2013

This class was just two midterms and a final. His tests=His notes and lecture notes. If you don't like to go to lecture, take another prof. He gives hints about test questions during lecture. If you go to class everyday and pay attention and study a decent amount, you can easily get an A. He curves a LOT!

1.0
5.0
ECON130
Jul 29, 2013

Constantly went off on non-econ related tangents. Hard to understand what he said and his handwriting was horrible. Thankfully he curved his tests and dropped the lowest hw and test grade.

4.0
3.0
ECON
Grade: C
Aug 25, 2013

Nice guy and really cares about students but it was really hard sometimes to pay attention in class. His handwriting is really hard to read. not hard to pass if you listen in class. drops lowest hw and exam

4.0
3.0
ECON130
Aug 25, 2013

nice guy really cares about his students. It was really hard to pay attention in class because his handwriting was awful and not interesting topic. If you come to class and listen it should be easy to get an A.

3.0
2.0
ECON130
Aug 25, 2013

LHO is a G and a good teacher that cares about his students if you come to class. Its not mandatory to go and still get an A or B, but his notes and in class references and stories are really helpful on tests. Also he doesn't really correlate the book with tests. Hes a supper witty and funny man and hands down I recommend him.. hot dogs!

4.0
3.0
ECON120
Jan 16, 2014

Stopped going to lecture halfway through semester. He doesn't teach much just goes off on a tangent. Best thing to do is read book and go by the syllabus (YOUR BIBLE!). Could have had an A but I was taking his ECON121 at the time on top of ECON120. Go to review seshs for exam!! Free answer for exams! I always got above the average, not too hard.

3.0
2.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2014

Officer is a decent professor. His lectures are relevant to a point. You will most likely learn 30% of what is on the exam by going to lecture. Use his SYLLABUS (70%)! Every page, topic, and practice questions are in that syllabus. You will do extremely well if you study off of it. An A is definitely obtainable because other students don't study.

1.0
5.0
ECON121
May 6, 2014

Terrible handwriting, hard to understand what he said either. Outline notes was the only document we could use for study. No study guide before exam. This course was quite difficult for me to understood, and I had a really bad time to keep my interest on it. After two months taking this course, half of the class was not coming.

5.0
2.0
ECON121
Aug 24, 2014

He is a very interesting professor and creates his own syllabus. You only use the book for homework assignments and the syllabus outlines all the material in the class. The exams are curved and if you attend class they should not be too hard for you.

4.0
3.0
ECON121
Nov 16, 2014

He's an okay professor. If you attend lectures it's pretty much an easy C no matter what. Turn in your homework and just show up for the test you will probably get a C or better. Lectures are key. Not mandatory for attendance. I have not been to class for 5 weeks and my grade is still fine.

4.0
2.0
121
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2014

Many questions were based off of in-class notes and he hints whats going to be on the exam in class, so if you go, you're good. 3 small HW assignments, 2 midterms, 1 final. GO TO REVIEW SESSIONS - you get a free question that'll be on the exams. Overall, a decent class but he talks politics more than I'd like.

3.0
3.0
120
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2015

After a few weeks of going to lecture I decided not to go anymore because his syllabus is very detailed and outlined. The key to passing his class is studying because its a lot of information. His tests are extremely easy if you study and the assignments which were 3 of them, were very straight forward.

3.0
3.0
ECON121
Apr 11, 2015

The guy knows his economics well but I don't think he's very good at teaching it. He writes out all his notes and his handwriting sucks. Oh and he usually starts doing that 5 minutes before class starts so if you show up on time you're behind. He's always jumping around from one topic to another it's not organized at all. I would not his class.

3.0
2.0
ECON 120
Grade: B
Oct 28, 2015

His lectures are very confusing and his handwriting is horrible. I never understood what he explained in class. The key to pass his class is to read the book. He gives you a syllabus on the first day of the class. Make sure you read the book and the tests for you will be pretty easy. If you don't read the book don't expect anything higher than a C.

4.0
1.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Nov 6, 2015

Good teacher but not very clear. Must learn by yourself a lot before tests.

5.0
1.0
ECON210
Nov 12, 2015

Great Professor with a lot of knowledge.

2.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Nov 17, 2015

Not a terrible professor, but he could be more clear. Never takes attendance. NEVER. Homework about twice a month. Exams aren't tough. No pop quizzes.

3.0
2.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Nov 17, 2015

He is a solid professor all along, Only 3 tests and 3 homework assignments. He is very knowledgable about everything econ. If you show up and take notes you will pass, you only need the boo if you don't take notes. Only bad thing is that sometimes he is hard to understand and his handwriting is awful and hard to read

4.0
2.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Nov 24, 2015

If you show up to class, attend the exam review sessions, do your homework and study a little before each test, there's really no way you wouldn't be able to receive an A in his class. Funniest teacher I have ever had, even though he doesn't even try. I would recommend, this guy has a lot of knowledge to offer.

3.0
2.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2016

Go to lecture and pay attention, and the class is easy. Basically all your grades come down to the exams, which are easy if you make an effort to understand the material. He can go on tangents and be hard to focus on during class.

3.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: A+
Apr 27, 2016

This professor is like a cow surrounded by zebras it doesn't know what it's doing. There are 2 test which will make you puke how intelligently they are made. The homework is easy as long as you copy from your friends. Don't bother showing up to class as your a going to feel like a lonly sheep. The only problem is that he can't speak English normaly

2.0
3.0
ECON121
Grade: Not sure yet
May 4, 2016

VERY BAD HANDWRITING!! I could not understand a single lecture because of his handwriting. The only way i passed the tests and hw was because I went to the TA for help. The professor overall is very sweet and kind. However, the whole class becomes frustrating because of the illegibility of his writing.

3.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: Not sure yet
May 6, 2016

Lectures are not mandatory, and are confusing because the Professor goes off on a lot of tangents. Again, handwriting is hard to read at times unless you pay attention to everything he's saying which can be difficult. The grade is made up from two midterms and a final, all of which are curved. Gives 3% extra credit if you do all three homeworks.

2.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: B
May 13, 2016

His tests were tough. His classes are very boring. Try avoiding him.

3.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: B+
Jul 8, 2016
Would take again

You're definitely going to need to re-read a lot of things off the notes and the syllabus, overall a solid professor if you actually make an effort to learn.

1.0
3.0
ECON121
Grade: C
Aug 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

If you seriously want to learn economics and not fall asleep but also get a lower grade, don't go to his lectures and read the book/youtube. What he writes on the projector is not english, but rather scribbles. Worst part your grade isn't based off what you've learned/know, rather your tests comprise of illogical hypotheticals testing for attendec

Get ready to read
1.0
3.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I say get ready to read because his lectures are horrible and pointless and he's just hands down the worst professor I've ever had so you need to read the book to semi-understand what's happening...I'm majoring in economics and I normally love it but he made it a nightmare. Yeah he's funny but he gets off topic and makes no sense. Watch AC/DC Econ.

Get ready to read
3.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: B
Jan 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Officer was one chill dude. His class and teaching methods suck though. He teaches impromptu style so it's confusing to keep up. I always had to study on my own to understand the topics discussed in class. The night before the final I crammed a 6 hour study session in order to pass the exam. He gives a good curve though.

Respected
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: B+
Jan 9, 2017
Would take again

Although Professor Officer's lectures may be viewed as boring they are quite important. There are many questions on exams that you would not be able to answer correctly if you didn't attend lectures. Homework is very easy as long as you use the textbook. Overall, he is a very passionate professor and knows what he is talking about.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
ECON120
Apr 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are dry. You can't read his writing so good luck taking notes bc all his lectures are hand written with a sharpie and printer paper can be hard to understand sometimes. Would not recommend

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: A
May 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Must attend lectures if you want a good grade in his class because a lot of the questions on the exam is subtly said in class, and it is hard to spot in textbooks. Don't be on your phone nor drift off. However, his lectures are somewhat boring, hard to hear, and his writing is definitely hard to read.

5.0
1.0
ECON120
Grade: B+
Sep 20, 2017
Would take again

One of the best professors at UIC, I would recommend if you need to take Econ 120 or 121. For me both classes were very easy and I didn't even use the book for 120, i bought the book for 121 and never used it. Just take good notes and you'll be good. I took 121 and payed good attention and got an easy A and in 121 I slacked off but still got a B.

Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
2.0
ECON120
Oct 23, 2017
Would take again

Lectures can be dry, but he adds humor and relates to students. For my class, he held review sessions for each exam with the TA. If you put in an ounce of effort you'll pass the class. Also, at 50% is considered a C. Don't really have to attend class after the first 2 weeks of the semester and after the first 2 weeks after the exams.

LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: D+
Nov 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Lectures were boring, but he would add the occasional funny joke. His handwriting is terrible, so if you are a visual learner its going to be tough. He's a good teacher, but he lacks some qualities.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Nov 27, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Very confusing lectures. Makes it difficult to prepare for exams. Only 3 assignments.

Clear grading criteria
EXTRA CREDIT
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Dec 1, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Hardest class I ever took. Only 3 homework assignments and 2 midterms. I didn't understand a word in his lectures and had to study everything on my own. Textbook is the key to pass the class. It's very helpful. Also his handwriting is awful and hard to understand. Apart from that he's funny and good as a person.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: A+
Jan 3, 2018
Would take again

If you are looking for someone to spoon feed you perfect lecture notes and exam material, this professor is not for you. Although if you want to learn economics from one of the most intelligent people in the field you're in the right place. Attend all of the lectures and listen to him closely and you will get an A in this class. Book not needed.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Hilarious
3.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Jan 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This is your literal average college lecture class. He was cool, but it was difficult to follow him in most of his lectures. If you do attend his lectures, it will make the HW alot easier but the tests are still difficult. Attend class the last 3 weeks, he bases a LOT of the final questions on his last lectures.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Apr 12, 2018
Would take again

Very smart guy. You will learn a lot of you go to lectures. If you do not go, you will NOT get a good grade. Only 3 homework assignments per semester but they're simple and tests are alright if you study. Very chill guy tho. Took him for 120 and 121 Got A's both times.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
1.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Apr 13, 2018
Would take again

Econ120 is honestly the easiest class. All you have to do it literally make friends. I never went to class except for exam and assignment days. There's three exams and three homework assignments that are really easy. But it's important to make friends in that class that go to class in order to catch you up.

Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Apr 13, 2018
Would take again

He has 3 homework assignments. He is funny and talks about random stuff. Don't need to know anything to get an a in his class because he curves so hard

Respected
Inspirational
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
3.0
ECON121
Apr 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Awful!! Rambles on in class, you cant understand his notes. Lectures are pointless! Better off reading the textbook than going to class. IF you ask for help with homework he will not help you. Avoid taking him

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Apr 18, 2018
Would take again

I took a class with Prof. Officer a couple of decades ago. He was EASILY one of the best instructors I had @ UIC. His class was straightforward, he was very interesting about material that is important to learn and was great at teaching it, and funny in a postive way. UIC gained big time when he came from the other university he was at before!

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
4.0
ECON121
Sep 5, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I have to say that this professor is the worst one ever. Trust me if you want to pass this class, do not ever take him as a professor. His lecture is useless, I cannot understand what he wrote on the notes. Get ready to read the book because the lecture cannot help you for anything. Good luck!

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
ECON121
Oct 8, 2018
Wouldn't take again

You get hard tests with only those crappy online lecture notes. Textbooks can take you to nowhere.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
4.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Oct 10, 2018
Would take again

He records all his lectures and puts them up online so you literally never have to attend class except to turn in HW and for exams. An A grade is 85% and his class is decently interesting, he likes rambling though. Pay attention to his lectures because exams are literally based off what he says rather than the textbook.

5.0
2.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Nov 9, 2018
Would take again

Wonderful professor, makes going to class enjoyable. Make sure you go to class and you will be perfectly fine. No textbook needed.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ECON120
Nov 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

EEEEEELASTIC confirmed at 2018. Not bad as a person but not really a good lecturer. I really don't want to say this b/c he is a nice guy, but he is not qualify enough to remain on his position. If you already took his class, read your textbook according to given syllabus. It's really hard to pick up key information in his lecture. Good luck.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Don't take Officer. He teaches impromptu so there is no structure to his lectures. It makes no sense. Plus he isn't helpful. He's kind of a good dude tho. But his class is difficult to follow and it's hard to understand what he's teaching. I will not be taking him again. I've spoken with plenty of people and they all hate his class. don't take him.

LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: C
Dec 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE HIM. He is the most confusing professor I have ever had! Excuse me, this is not a debate. He is really nice, but annoying and he is all over the place in his lectures. His examples regarding the topic he is covering are not appropriate in the world of Econ. Lets just say that YouTube helped me understand economics more than he did!

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2018
Would take again

GOOD CLASS

1.0
5.0
ECON120
Dec 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

By far one of the WORST professors Ive had. For starters, he makes you buy a book with an access code that youre NEVER going to use so its a waste of $100. His lectures were extremely boring and didnt have any type of structure. He hand writes his lectures and has terrible handwriting which makes it hard to take notes. Overall, TERRIBLE.

1.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Attendance is not mandatory and his class is extremely boring.

1.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Jan 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Officer is a different kind of teacher, as much as he is a good guy who is passionate about what he teaches. He is not good at teaching it. Show up to class if you care about your grades, you can get lost very easily as he has no specific lecture material.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's not a good professor. He teaches one thing, and tests another. I barely managed to get an A grade, but no thanks to him. His classes are unstructured. The book is a better guide than him. Plus, instead of testing concepts, he tests facts. For example, "What's the Unemployment Rate of USA?" Why is he testing this, instead of a concept?

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Jan 15, 2019
Would take again

Lectures can be hard to follow sometimes, especially if you ditch class since the concepts build off of each other. He is passionate about what he teaches and is always willing to help. You have to work for your grade but he does adjust his grading scale or curves the test depending on the results. DO NOT PURCHASE THE BOOK.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Excuse me this is not a debate. He's difficult to follow.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: B
May 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Officer is not a bad prof, he is just bad at teaching if that makes sense. I feel that no matter how hard you try you can only end up with a B in his class, unless you're lucky. I think there should be way more options for Econ professors given that it is almost mandatory to take him and teaching style does not work.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Jul 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He is not a good teacher. He is knowledgeable, but doesn't know how to convey it. Also, he is not accommodating. He didn't give me an A grade even though I was short on 1 point. i was making sense but he did not agree to it because he said "if i needed an answer in paragraph form, then you could justify it, but in MCQs, I have set only 1 right ans"

Get ready to read
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Oct 4, 2019
Would take again

Hes hilarious sometimes during class, but his teaching is very hard to follow. Unless youve already learned all of this in highschool, youd be lost in his class

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's AWFUL he does not know how to teach, you're better off watching videos and looking stuff up. Nothing he says makes sense ever.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Nov 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He is certainly an eccentric professor! I agree with most other commentators, his lectures are very unhelpful & the tests are loosely based off the lectures. Personally, I never paid attention during lecture (only read the book according to the syllabus and watched videos here and there) and was very successful. His grade curves are generous, too.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
ECON121
Nov 27, 2019
Would take again

I took the professor both semesters for econ 120/121 and he's just not the best at teaching. His graphs and handwriting are really hard to read or tell what's going on and it's easy to get lost in lectures. His class structure is easy though, three homework assignments, and three exams, attendance gets you extra-credit.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
ECON121
Grade: A+
Nov 27, 2019
Would take again

Attendance is for extra credits, all lectures are uploaded online which helps a lot. He just asks MCQs for exam and easy hw. Honestly, it's an easy class

Respected
Accessible outside class
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: B
Dec 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Isn't a good professor at all. He just goes on and on and on about his life. And he just draws the graphs in his paper and expect you to understand that. He is so boring. There is no discussion for his class. Please, please don't take him.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The course has 3 homework assignments, and 3 exams. Thats it. Your grade is determined by six items, and thats not even the worst part. The final is worth 45% of your overall grade. The lectures dont help at all, I havent learned a single thing all semester. I wish there was a discussion section of this class because the lectures dont cut it.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: D
Dec 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He doesn't teach the material right. His notes are not understandable. He gives horrible examples and goes off topic at times. He's hard to keep up with. I learned the whole semester in one 20 minute Youtube video, I didn't learn nothing with him.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor Officer is really hard to follow. You can get extra 5 points for perfect attendance. The book is optional, but often it is the only possible way to understand the material. The tests are not heavy, I'd say they are just weird. Never focus on calculations, only look for concepts, definitions and graphs!

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: C+
Apr 10, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are super boring and his notes are so messy. I don't even recommend going to class (except when turning in homework). As long as you have the text book and follow the syllabus, you'll pass. Plus all he talks about is politics and Trump when some of the topics are even relevant to it.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: C
Apr 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His lectures were over-complicated for such basic knowledge. All he does is just make it sounds more advanced and sophisticated, as what "graduated Havard students" usually do. His lectures are also boring, somewhat considered as useless. He did curve a lot, still, I missed 0.5 to get a B. And he didn't create a chance for students to gain back.

2.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Aug 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Just a lazy professor, when COVID hit, went online he just uploaded previous lectures. Now I'm taking him again because he said he'd work on adjusting for online over summer but it's the same thing just harder now because you have to watch 5 minutes of this video then 3 of this lecture then 2 of this. Can be funny but comeon. Expected more from UIC

Accessible outside class
2.0
4.0
ECON121
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

So awful, his lectures are so hard to follow and exams are hard to study for.

2.0
3.0
ECON121
Grade: B
Nov 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I don't think he is a good professor, his handwriting is sloppy, and his way of explaining the content is harder than it should be. I think it's best to watch Jacob Clifford on Youtube, he does a better job explaining. Some of the test questions aren't necessarily about ECON, because it's about a statistic he mentions once in class.

1.0
4.0
ECON120
Nov 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He doesn't care about the students at ALL!! If I could chose who I would have as my Econ prof, he would be last on my list!!

Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
ECON120
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I don't understand how he is such a well respected professor. What has he done for students during covid? Nothing. He doesn't grade the homework assignments (random TA's do) and all of the tests are graded through blackboard so all I am wondering is.... what does HE do, because it's definitely not teaching.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: D
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He doesn't care about students at all and is very rude actually. I made a simple mistake and he started accusing me of it not being a valid excuse... LIKE WHAT?? Anyways, if you have him, SWITCH PROFESSORS! You'll be glad you did. I'm not the only one who thinks this either. I'm sure you saw the others and they are right. He sucks as a professor!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ECON120
Grade: A-
Dec 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I didn't talk to him all semester because he made the class async. I mostly read the book because I couldn't stand his prerecorded lectures. There are only 3 homework assignments and 3 exams worth 100 points, so you can't afford many mistakes. In the end an 85A. I wish I'd taken this at community college so I could've actually learned something.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Get ready to read
4.0
3.0
ECON121
Grade: A+
Jan 23, 2021
Would take again

I took his class econ120, 121 when clases were in person. It was my freshman year and whenever I reached him in office hour and asked questions, he was willing to give me a hand and give a good examples because I had a hard time understanding micro, macro economics. He is not a caring or hilarious fun guy tho. IDK why so many ppl gave him 1/5 lol..

Respected
Test heavy
2.0
1.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Mar 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Not a bad teacher. His lecture was pretty easy to understand for me and the questions of the quizzes were always easy. But, I don't like how he talks about his political beliefs in class, and even that is ok, but he spreads a lot of fake news. He should do some research before he talks.

1.0
5.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Mar 12, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Quite possibly UIC's worst professor. I took him before covid hit, which I feel lucky since I can't imagine how much worse he got in his transition to online. People excuse him for his humor but I don't pay tuition for a comedian. -Unreadable handwriting -Thinks we care about his politics -Nothing of what he teaches is on tests. Avoid this guy.

1.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: A
Apr 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I got my book 3 weeks late bc of UIC Librarys tech problems and I got it one day before the deadline. I emailed him to ask for a one day extension as theres a lot to read (3 WEEKS MATERIAL). He said that its my problem and he doesnt cares. I sacrificed my sleep to understand his lectures bc he made the course material TOUGH! I got an A anyways!

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ECON121
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor ever. This website won't allow the words I would use to describe him. Save yourself please. Avoid this professor. Good luck reading his handwriting or seeing past his ancient views. Save your braincells and take this course at a community college and transfer the credit instead. Seriously.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ECON120
May 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lazy professor, doesn't actually teach he just uses recordings from semesters ago. Class is organized very poorly. Class grade is based off 3 homeworks, midterm and final so basically if you don't do good on one assignment you are screwed.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
ECON120
Jun 13, 2021
Would take again

Took him my freshman year (2017-2018) for ECON 120 and 121. I've seen a lot of reviews about how his online classes were terrible, and I can definitely understand that. In person, his lectures were pretty easy. As long as you pay attention and go to exam reviews held by the TA's you should be fine.

5.0
4.0
ECON120
Grade: C
Dec 21, 2022
Would take again

Professor Officer is a very smart guy. You can learn a lot from him. Lectures are decent, but the class is challenging. You will have to read the book. He lets his TA's decided if you will receive an extension if you have missed something in the class (exam or hw).

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Inspirational
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

10%

Textbook Required

36%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 57 grades
Most common grades:
A (24)
B (15)
Not sure yet (7)
Grade Distribution
A(28)B(15)C(6)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 66 reported grades
A: 24
B: 15
Not sure yet: 7
C: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (15)
LECTURE HEAVY (15)
Skip class? You won't pass. (11)
Lecture heavy (11)
Graded by few things (10)
Test heavy (9)
Respected (7)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (6)
Rating Trend

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5.0

(2)

ECON

4.5

(2)

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4.0

(1)

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4.0

(1)

120

3.0

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3.6

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3.4

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3.2

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3.0

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