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Good class if youre into econ. Watch out for the "Schwartz Swallow" where he takes excessively large sips of water.

he makes funny hand motions and drinks a lot of water

He's very entertaining, what with all the gesticulating, hopping about, drinking water, and telling truly horrible jokes. He's incredibly smart and incredibly excited about econ, but in order to do well, you need to do a lot of work outside class (hint: practice midterms!).

Very animated lectures. Still, the material is dry. He is fun to watch lecture and does a good job of providing real life examples to compare to the subjects at hand. I wish he taught more by example than he does, though.

Forget the book, just come to his lectures and take notes and take the practice exams and you're good. Very good lecturer.

Very entertaining lecturer and always willing to help, but sometimes makes the material seem so easy in lecture that you are surprised by the difficulty of the exercises and midterms. Study for them! Book unnecessary; just show up for lecture.

He's a very funny and entertaining professor, unfortunately he has the power to make an hour and a half seem like four. Despite this, you learn a lot, but don't really know how to use it unless the TA tells you. A good TA is a must for this class.

He is a fantastic professor. He cares so much about what he teaches, and makes you want to care too. Not a lot of work throughout the semester, just make sure to take advantage of all the study opportunities he offers.

This should summarize Marius pretty well: I gave one of the problems on the practice final to a graduate student from GW, and she said that not only did she see that kind of problem in Micro Theory, she also simply couldn't do it. Great. Now I was really looking forward to the final (which turned out to be five times harder than the practice final). I had a flat out A all year, but since the final is worth 50%, my final grade was dragged down to a B+ Bottom line = if you want to finish with a B+ or higher, either ace everything else all year, including the midterm, or invite yourself over to Marius's house for dinner and steal the final.

Super Marius really isnt as bad as everyone makes him out to be. He is amusing in class and there isnt too much work. The Aplia isnt hard, and the midterm is just like the sample. The final is difficult, but the curve really helps.

Professor Schwartz is GREAT! At first I though the class was a little boring with the simple econ basics, but he goes way beyond that. He is amusing in class, and teaches the concepts very clearly with many examples. If you really want to learn a lot about Econ take Schwartz. His tests are hard but I was able to get an A without working too hard

He's nice, but struggles to explain material that he gets, but you don't

So most of the ratings for Schwartz here are from freshmen who are just not cut out for econ. Most likely, they are stupid MSB kids. Schwartz is funny, dynamic, knows his stuff, and always wants to help.

Very good econ professor. Cracks jokes to keep things interesting. Slows down the class to cater to the idiot business school kids.

Reeaaallly tough course for freshman year (coming from someone who loves econ) but he's a good teacher and just cuz he makes you work for the grade isn't a bad thing. Don't take him if you really hate the subject and know you'll never use it. But can be enjoyable and enriching otherwise. Plus his personality is hilarious.

i'm pretty surprised by the ratings here. i think the lectures are pretty helpful - although the tas are sometimes rather lost. literally half ot the problems on the midterm were on our review sheet (w/answers handed out as well.) i have never had to read the textbook at all, and have an A in the class. however, i am a math person and enjoy eco

He very clearly explains everything, making it relevant to the 'real world.' He's funny and smart and extremely willing to help you out. His TA's are pretty decent. Aplia is helpful in understanding basic concepts, though irrelevant to exams. Exercises/exams are fairly simple if you pay any attention in class.

Schwartz isn't as bad as some people say; his class is hard, as is all econ, but doable. He only gives one midterm, compared to Levinson's two midterms. Class can be amusing. TAs are USELESS and I regretted the 50 minutes of my life I lost by going to recitation. Final is impossible, so make sure to study for it. Don't skip his class.

While it's difficult to get an A in Schwartz's class, it's really not difficult to pull off a B. He's an amiable guy, always in a good mood and he makes the class light and at times humorous. He's really good at posting lecture outlines online before class which REALLY helps. Recitation helpfulness depends on TAs, some of which are USELESS!

He tries to get students to pass. He is really working for the students and tells lots of interesting anecdotes that keep class fun and invigorated.

He is a great prof. who makes attending lecture a joy for those interested in economics. He is very funny, and his animation is priceless. You will get used to a lot of movement from him during the lecture. His tests are difficult, but he goes over every type of problem you will face in class. The TA I had was a waste of my time. Take him.

If you have never taken econ before you will most likely die in this class, but Schwartz himself is hilarious. He treats the front of the room like a stage and basically dances around the board. Don't buy the book; it won't help you for his exams. Just take meticulous notes in lecture. Go to office hours. He gives all the answers to assignments.

Very, very difficult. I've had 2.5 years of econ and I still got a B. The exercises, midterm, and Aplia assignments are all very easy, but the final is a **** (apparently...it's not like we get them back). Very mathematical treatment to the subject...a great course for prospective econ majors.

The problem lots of people had with the final was that it really requires you to think and understand the stuff. Exercises and Aplia were lots of regurgitation, whereas the final really required you to understand and know how to apply it. This course was a LOT easier because I took economics in high school.

Schwartz is really not as bad as everyone says he is. Midterm came straight from the practice test and the homework, and aplia was a joke. I personally didn't think the final was that bad, but I actually enjoy econ. I admit, his approach to economics is heavily math based. I would recommend for econ majors, but maybe not for non-econ/math people.

This class is not very difficult, and there is almost no homework. You don't use the text book so I would reccomend not buying it.

This class is genuinely interesting, and Schwartz does a great job of providing real-world examples of economic concepts. He covers a great deal of material with clarity. Although you learn a great deal, the class is not difficult. Unlike some of the previous raters, I had an “A” going into the final and came out with an “A.”

Lectures are actually not that bad although a bit hard to follow, always moving around the room so you stay awake. Hw a bit difficult, Aplia fine but useless. Midterm off the hw, Final not so much.

The midterm is straight from the sample exam and problem sets, the final is hard. For problem sets, ask the TAs, they're usually helpful.

Schwartz is a great guy and a great prof to boot. He knows everything there is to know about antitrust economics and I.O., and it shows in his lectures. Tests are difficult, but homeworks are doable. Study hard and show some interest, and you should be good. Take Schwartz if you're a major! Avoid him otherwise ...

Everyone whines and complains about this course but it turned out alright really. I happen to like his lectures and yes, I had a great TA, but MS makes sure u get all the exercise help u want anyways.... his midterm was ok and his final is known as the scariest thing ever.... its true but if u study ur ass off it wont kill ur grade too much

I felt lost through much of the course, still landed up with an A. Advice if you have Schwartz for micro? Attend lectures. Study regularly. Do the exercises ON YOUR OWN and not in a group. My TA was pretty useless (awesome guy, but useless TA) so you're basically on your own. It's not as bad as others make it out to be -work some, and you'll be ok.

The final's not as hard as some people seem to think, and I was really bad in class. Definitely go to lecture--he's funny, and it will help you on the exam. Also go to the tutoring sessions after you've done the exercises because the TAs will explain everything.

I had him for an upper level class and really liked his approach. We learned and then got to decide whether to take a final or write a paper.

Professor Schwartz is amazing! I took microecon with him and i've learned a lot! It's not true u have to be an econ genius to pass his class, I had never ever taken economics before and ended up with a very good grade. If u want a good grade go to every class (and pay attention, sleeping does not count) and study! good luck

Prof. Schwartz is really awesome. He definitely knows what he's doing, and he explains micro really well. You have to go to class, pay attention, do the homework, AND study, but since when as this been unreasonable for a CLASS you're taking in COLLEGE? He's great, I definitely recommend him.

Not that tough; if you read over the handouts and go to the review sessions you can do well without really going to class. Hard to get an A-/A though.

Underrated.

Not nearly as bad as people make him out to be. Go to lecture, study before the tests, and go to his office hours if you need help on the exercises and you'll do fine

Economics can be a very hard subject to grasp, and many people unfairly blame econ professors for the difficulty. A teacher can only do so much. Prof. Schwartz is really all you could ask for: well-organized, fair, clear, and a energetic and interesting lecturer. That doesn't guarantee you'll do well, but be fair: he's a very good teacher.

Schwartz is very underrated - I would HIGHLY recommend this professor and I hadn't had ANY econ classes before this. He is interesting, explains economic concepts better than any other teacher I've had. Go to class, do the homework, ask him questions, and you will get a good grade. Schwartz is wonderful!

Before Professor Schwartz, I had no interest in economics, and now it is my major. While it might take a little bit to catch on to his particular style, he is consistent, clear, and fair with exam material and grading. Plus, he acts out graphs bodily and dances/pelvic thrusts during lectures, and I mean what else could you want?

Professor Schwartz is a good professor, but his talents are best suited to teaching higher level economics. He makes complex topics very clear, is willing to slow down and answer questions, and his teach-by-dancing style will keep you awake, even at 8:50 am. However, he is tough, and his midterms can be brutal. If you like economics, take him.

Professor Schwartz gets a bad rap. He is definitely better teaching higher level econ courses, but he genuinely wants his students to understand the material. As an econ major, I thought he was great in Int Micro. DO THE HOMEWORK EXERCISES AND KNOW THEM WELL FOR THE EXAMS.

Professor Schwartz's upper level classes have been two of the best I've taken at Georgetown. They are challenging but he is also a fair grader and will give you as much help as you want. He actually worked in the field always keeps things interesting with personal stories and examples. Highly recommended.

Great professor!! Sometimes a little hard to follow in class but offers tons of help outside of class. Go to office hours with any questions and you'll love econ and do well! Extremely nice and funny too

Very effective educator. If you have trouble following, he puts the outlines online. Extremely accessible, with review sessions and extra office hours before exams. This class's material is maybe medium difficulty so he makes his tests the same. He tries so hard to explain he even uses his hips while talking. Passionate, funny, sincere professor.

Don't be discouraged by the comments below. Professor Schwartz is clear in his lectures and genuinely wants you to understand the subject/do well. He is very available to offer extra help and responds to email questions in light speed. Do the homework exercises and you'll be fine for the exams.

Great professor! Anything that is confusing in class can easily be cleared up in the tons of office hours and review sessions that he offers that are so helpful! Very nice and very funny

Schwartz is great if you have to take Int. Micro. Yes, it's hard but if you are taking upper level econ there really isn't an easy way out. Weekly exercises are manageable. The exams are rough but there is a heavy curve so in the end the grades are not bad. Schwartz is a nice guy and a good professor.

Professor Schwartz is really good. The class itself isn't easy, but he makes it manageable for sure. He's helpful at office hours and very fair on tests. A good teacher to take for int. micro.

A very rewarding and interesting class. The material is difficult but Prof. Schwartz is remarkably helpful during office hours. He is an expert in the field and his passion for teaching the course really shows.

definitely more suited to upper level classes. If you're interested in Industrial Organization or competition, he's the right prof with a wealth of experience in the FCCDOJ. His handwritten notes for higher level classes aren't intuitively clear so go for the classes. I got on fine with just the notes for ECON 101 but needed the lectures for 461.

Great class, very difficult but really interesting if into micro/IO. No textbook, go to class. Generally clear, but material difficult so hard to follow if not current. Review material outside class to prepare. Very tough tests, but 70% A. Extremely helpful in O.H. Contagious energy. Fun mock trials. Real world relevant. Loved it.

Professor Schwartz is probably the best professor in the econ department. Yes, antitrust law and regulation is not the most exciting thing. But the guy is so animated and helpful that you'll get through it. Real solid class if you can get it. The exams are hard for everyone so thank you econ curve.

If you're taking intermediate micro, Schwartz is the guy. His expectations are extremely clear. Sure, the material is hard, but if you really take the time to get ready for the lectures, pay attention, and understand the exercises, you will invariably get an A. I cannot stress enough the lecture outlines' importance.

I really enjoyed Prof. Schwartz. He's a renowned economist and a great lecturer--not always a common combo. The tests are hard, but the curve is a life saver.

Schwartz is one of the best teachers in the Econ department. As a senior econ major, this is the only econ class I have been engaged in. Schwartz dances all throughout class and knows so much. While the class is not easy, it is very manageable and he is a really great teacher. Highly recommend him over the typical 400s. No textbook though.

The class material is v challenging, but Prof. Schwartz makes it understandable. If I did not attend class I would've failed, because his explanations during lectures were crucial. He dances around sometimes which is odd, but he's a really nice guy that cares if his students are learning. The curve is a godsend, so overall not bad! Would recommend.

It was definitely a really really hard class but in the end, I got a good grade (thxs econ curve). Questions on exams can be tedious and random at times but the final was relatively straightforward. Don't really have to work constantly (just midterms and finals, and 9 exercises (3 don't count)).

Marius is an engaging, funny lecturer and this class isn't as hard as everyone says. There isn't a lot of practice for the exams, but if you really understand the few problem sets you have, you'll do well on them. Not that hard to get an A with the curve. Would take again.

Easily the best professor I have had at Georgetown. Engaging lecturer, cares about students and wants students to succeed. A highly respected economist and passionate about the field. Class avg for exams is 65% because material is difficult, but econ curve obviously helps. Cannot recommend enough

Marius is the best choice for intermediate micro. He is SO funny- he always throws jokes in class and keeps everyone entertained. The class is gonna be hard no matter who you take it with. Prof. Schwartz is the only econ prof that I've ever liked and felt like I actually understood the material. Would highly recommend.

An excellent professor and a great choice. He is extraordinarily engaging and also will go out of his way to help you in office hours or over email. You definitely want to know the shortcut equations going into the tests--the tests are too long to fully run through the models to answer questions.

Great lecturer-can keep you engaged with tough economic theory even before 10am and he is funny, sometimes on purpose. The class will probably be your hardest econ so far but it's still doable if you put in the effort. Review exercises before tests-the questions are similar. Available in office hours. Would definitely take again.

Professor Schwartz's IO461 class was a very good class. While his lectures and problem sets are challenging, he is very helpful in office hours to guide you through the material. Overall, he is super smart and makes his IO class (essentially the foundations of Antitrust) interesting & engaging. Go to office hours ahead of HW and tests!

Professor Schwartz is an engaging lecturer who really knows the material like the back of his hand. Funny guy too. IO is a good class especially if you like antitrust stuff, but you will have to put in the work for the midterm, final, and mock trial. Would recommend.

The topics covered in class are interesting. Doesn't help that it's really early in the morning when everyone is tired. There's a lot of content covered and there are given print-outs, but no lecture slides so you need to go to class. People do horible on the exams, so you don't need to do well to get a good grade.

Professor Schwartz and his Topics class are very fun. His exams are tough but he curves them a lot. I thought the classes were generally interesting, but it was hard to pay attention for the entire time. He expects you to attend office hours and constantly confirm with him that you understand.

Great professor, makes learning tedious microeconomics somewhat more enjoyable. His hips don't lie.

Professor Schwartz is arguably the best professor in Georgetown's economics department. His IO course is difficult, but he is accessible outside the classroom during office hours. He breaks down rigorous homework problems and complicated topics in ways that are easy to understand. Above all else, he is caring and committed to his students.

good professor, really accessible outside of class -- the class material is still hard but he is not the reason

Tough class with Schwartz, but he explained things well and used real-world examples (articles) that connected class material to the actual economy. His exams were super hard, needed lots of studying, but he was always there to help outside class. Grading was just on problem sets and exams. Overall a great prof - you just need to put in the effort

Schwartz is amazing, my favorite econ professor at Georgetown - in class, he peppers in anecdotes to make things interesting, often from his firsthand antitrust experience. He is extremely helpful in office hours, and just wants you to put in the work. IO is very challenging, but it's graded on the econ curve - meaning the grades are fine.

It's a shame that Professor Schwartz is retiring. He is by far the most accessible and caring professor in the economics department. He is also a first-generation scholar, so he is extra supportive of FGLI students. He is an engaging and inspiring lecture, and his quips keep the class alive. He will truly be missed by Georgetown!

Professor Schwartz keeps you engaged with his humor and clear explanations, even in the tough econ material. While the workload is high, using unstuck AI and review exercises can help you ace the class.