At the beginning of this course, he introduces the basic elements of accounting and the structure of statements. The second half of the course is heavily on booking (accounting). His lectures are very useful. Practice booking exercies is the key.

repetition is key for this class. do lots of practice problems.

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Really really good teacher. You just need to actually put some time and effort in this class to do well. Force yourself to go to office hours. Very good class if you actually want to learn something!

First off, office hours help. The reading assigments (Liar's Poker is fun to read, no joke). Once you get the concept of bookkeeping down, the class is no sweat. Getting to that point however, is fairly tough. Stick with it, you'll get it.

The class was great, but he'd go off on tangents every so often. This guy seemed kind of sleezy. He had monogrammed everything, talked like a lawyer or a greedy I-banker.

Great Class! Useful and intensive! He teaches more than just technical stuff. If you actually go to his lecture, you can find out update information in the real world.

Class is very interesting although with the daily pop quizzes, the class can be a bit hard. If you attend lecture everytime and take notes, you'll do fine.

Great class, the ****es of ucsd will not like this class because econtutor won't help them out and looking for past exams won't help them out either. Begging for extra ponits won't help u out either. only teacher at ucsd that ever held my attention. thanks for the class

I loved this prof! The class was so easy, and he tells the funniest stories. He has a great butt too.

Lectures were out of synch with the reading but they were still informative. Quizzes and exams are based on the reading so you'll do good if you did the reading. Pop quizzes are easy, can be done in less than ten minutes of class time. Spends half the class telling personal stories and jokes.

Anyone who gets lower than a "B" in this class is a bona fide retard. The guy writes everything you need to know on the board and also posts it on the class website. The quizzes are alright and are there to test you if you actually have a brain. Easy class overall.

the material of this class isn't that interesting, but he's funny, enthusiastic, and cute~~!

soso professor. was expecting an easy A. but ended up stuck with pop quizzes and subjective free-response questions on exams..need to keep up with material. his jokes/stories totally irrelevant, just delays time to get the hell out..regrades fairly. argue w/ him and u'll get the points XD

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Honestly, his lecture is a bit fast. But if you read before going to class you can learn a lot from his lecture. Most of them are applications of theories. These course are NOT rocket science. I had great experience with this professor.

Given, at first I thought the guy was a complete dick, but give him time and you learn that beyond the ego he is a fairly cool guy. Ask stupid questions or **** off during class and you will find yourself up faeces creek right quick, but read before class

I took this class during the summer. He is a great prof. knows his material. EXTREMELY ADD, but aren't we all? Most useful class I have taken as a whole.

If you ever get the chance to talk to him out of class, do it! He's amazing and by far my favorite professor at UCSD. His teaching style is a little unorganized and he goes on a whim, but he's brilliant and if you get to know him he gives great recommendations and not to mention advice.

Had him for three classes. Comes off arrogant at first, but keeps lectures interesting. Knows alot about finance and loves talking outside of class. Not to mention he actually speaks a language we can understand unlike most Econ profs at UCSD. Definitely take him if you get the chance.

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he has his own method of teaching, but it works. pop quizes are easy if you scan through the chapter being going to class. He's very helpful outside of class, so go see him, and you'll do good. His curves are very generous. I would take him again.

Very helpful in person.

easy class made hard. uses abbreviations without explaining first what they stand for. funny, but confusing. pop quizzes start off ez then get harder. impossible to take notes. for the midterm, write out your own balance sheet with the abbreviations he uses in class, and the different names of the same thing his reader, and in the text.

I started to take this class last year, but dropped it. I took it this quarter, and boy has he changed! (for the better) He uses useful slides that he posts online. He's super clear about what's going to be on the quizzes. I did super badly on the final, but I still managed to get an A- minus in the class. He gave 29 As and A-s this quarter

Tests are hard but if you keep track of the ppt materials, you'll get an A. Though tests are hard, average score is low. Instruction is intended to be vague, yet practicing the ppt example gives a clearer idea of wts going on.

I glory'd his class with no prior knowledge. He's a great professor, but don't expect to be able to rely on a book for all the answers to your problems. You have to work to understand the material and be genuinely prepared for the class. "The more we sweat in practice, the less we bleed on the battlefield" sums this class up & is his personal motto

I haven't completely finished the course yet, but he's not bad. He does leave out some possibilities in his lectures, but who can blame him if nobody asks. IMO, he's not that hard. The class average is fairly high. You have to go to lecture and understand what he's doing though. He lectures different from the texts, and tests are most lecture based

Took this class out of interest for possible future interest in business school.. Partner quizzes, cheat BINDER for midterm/Final. Class entirely curved- final grade based on overall ranking. Guy's actually pretty funny. Don't buy books. I've gone to class, don't really listen, didn't buy book and got 78 on midterm. Easliy getting a Pass.

"The more you bleed in practice, the less you'll bleed on the battlefield", Willoughby loves this quote. This quote gives me strength to study until my arm is about to fall off. He's helpful and friendly in office hours as long as you make an effort. He's incredibly intelligent & a great resource if you're thinking about entering into finance.

All you haters need to lay off. Willoughby and Foster teach pretty much the only useful classes you'd get coming out of UCSD manag sci or econ. Econ 4, as basic as it is, is extremely useful for entry level jobs in finance. Its a refreshing change from all the useless theories in all the normal econ classes.

whole class is memorization of terms the first 2 classes, and adding/subtracting the rest of the classes. attendence required. partner quizzes, open note tests. pay attention in class. you must learn all material through his 1 or 2 examples. if youre not a quick learner, youre screwed. very easy class. take it :)

good professor...i recommend this class to every ucsd student who wants to learn about basic accounting...like the previous post, foster E173, 174, 178 and willoughby are the best...also watson E109, Cohen E111, Ramey E130, and Elliot E120A. Steer clear of any new graduate student lecturers. Don't expect much from 110 prof's or lecturers either.

good teacher

He was a good teacher. You learn a lot about accounting if this was a new subject to you. Attendance is not mandatory but there is a quiz every week so if you don't go you are not going to do well in the class. If you pay attention, read his manual, and do a lot of prac. problems you should do okay.

Yeah he's kinda mean to students, but I personally found it hilarious. Only gave us 80min for the final though and everyone was wishing for more time.

This class was actually very straight forward compared to all the other econ classes I've taken at UCSD. All his quizzes are extremely straight forward, his take home midterms can be easily looked up on the computer, but his final was brutal. Your final grade basicall depends on how lucky you are on the final exam.

Willoughby is a HORRIBLE professor. His grading style for certain assignments is unfair for students. Attendance is crucial-he gives out participation points every day some of which you have to answer the most unrelated, unfair questions. Gives out points to those who can do a prob fastest & the rest wont get those points, which lowers their score.

Practice the quizzes and go in for office hours. His class was interesting because he is a strong speaker. Pay very close attention in class and actually go to class for participation points. GO TO OFFICE HOURS! just do it.

Prof. Willoughby is an excellent teacher. While yes, his teaching style may be difficult to adjust to at first but it's adaptable. I had an internship and the corporate culture there is exactly the same in his lectures. Which is strict, put in the effort for the output you want and most importantly- THINK. Gr8 prep class for real biz environment.

The trick to Professor Willoughby? Get to know him. He's an amazing person. Not necessarily your best lecturer, but if you go into office hours I guarantee you will be fine.

this professor is ridiculous. class was easy up until the final. final was basically impossible to ace because he asked questions he never went over. do your hw, go to class, and when he says you don't have to show up to class for a movie he's going to show, you better go because he'll put questions about it on the final. ridiculous.

You may be intimidated by Prof. Willoughby on the first day of class. However, if you show effort and really want to learn the subject, you can learn a lot from him. Yes, it is hard to get an easy A from him. Yet, you will appreciate that he helped you build a strong foundation of finance. One of my favorite profs at UCSD!

Prof. Willoughby can be intimidating on the first day of class. Yes, it is hard to get an easy A. Your going to have to earn it in this class. One of my favorite profs at UCSD! He is a must take at UCSD! Amazing Professor.

He is a hard professor no wonders. He may confuse students sometimes but he really helps to build up professional nicely. He is a humorous guy and a helpful teacher in the way to let you know things about career.

One of the hardest teachers I've taken so far. Very challenging class but it's really worth it in the end. He seems like he doesn't care but if you take the time to come to his office hours and get to know him, he's a really helpful professor with a lot of insightful advice. TAKE HIM IF YOU'RE DOING ECON. Don't opt out because you're scared!!

Really nice and helpful during office hours.

The class was very hard, but if you take time to attend office hours it really helps. As many have previously stated, his final are really hard, and it will make or break you.

Worth taking, you learn more than just basic accounting. Attending office hours is key to surviving this course. The professor is willing to help if you just ask.

Seems pretty chill in the summer. I don't get what all the complaints are about.

The class was surprisingly enjoyable. He has many entertaining stories so lecture was bearable. He definitely loves to throw curveballs to challenge the students because he wants us to learn, not memorize. Everything is in the reader. Lots of practice + office hours time and you're set.

If you want to learn accounting, take. If you just want an easy A and not learn anything, then don't take. It's that simple.

Student commentator below is clearly insecure. Arrogance that can be backed up is called confidence. The class is difficult, yes. But it's not impossible to succeed in it with hard work and extra office hours. And he is willing to help and explain things if you go. Don't be intimidated. He wants his students to succeed.

Willoughby helps countless students. He helped me find an internship, wrote a rec letter for my friend (who got accepted), referred my TA to her current employer etc. People are so quick to pass judgement if someone does something they don't like. His manner tends to rub some people the wrong way. But he does care about his students.

we got bubbly after finals so I forgive everything.

Mixed feelings about this class. But there's only one choice of instructor so it's this, community college or mgt45

Usually people like him or hate him. Honestly he is nice! GO TO OFFICE HOUR AND ASK QUESTIONS!! Also, on the exams, remember that there is always a choice"E", none of the above. That's why I got an average score on midterm 1 and only have an A- in the class. True that getting an A/A- is not easy. PUT EFFORT!!

Intimidating at first, but he's approachable (especially in office hours). I enjoyed the challenge of the class and was motivated to come to lecture. TAs were very nice too.

Be prepared for hard work and lots of office hours. It's better to go to the prof's office hours versus the TA's. you have to check the calendar as it tends to change.

happy it's over

He is a responsible professor. He is the only one teaching Econ4 anyway. If you want to do well, put effort and go to his OH.

Office hours very helpful for understanding the course. Practice practice practice, redo homework and quizzes to master concepts.

Challenging class but worth the effort. Good, solid skills that are useful. Also, I'm glad he actually cares about cheating.

When in doubt, ask questions, go to office hours and try to get to know him. Seems more sympathetic to students he can actually recognize.

Interesting professor. the class was very hard but it's doable. If you can, take mgt45 with Pecore which will satisfy both econ4 and mgt5 for the minor requirements.

I actually like the reader. All the terms are clearly defined and it's more condensed than other accounting textbooks. At least you don't have to shell out $100+ for a book you're only using one quarter.

Not gonna lie, this class was hard. But like with anything, if you put enough effort into it, you will get results. Office hours!!!!!

My advice for anyone taking this now is to be vocal. In other words, if you can't understand him, tell him. He is very approachable, don't be intimidated. He helps those who show a sincere desire to learn. IT IS HIS JOB to teach and to help. Maximize all your resources (TAs, office hours, emails), and you will make it through this class.

THE best professor i had so far in UCSD!If you don't pay attention in class,you are screwed because that's the only way you could learn.Reading the packet yourself at home won't help.He offers you free A- garanteed chances once in a while.I got an A+ at the end.Super easy and fun class.If you fall behind,go to his office hours!you have to follow up

Those who left low rate on this professor must have failed because they didn't work hard. This is a actually pretty easy class if you pay close attention to his lecture.If you learned good in class,you don't need to do much work at home.However,if you fall behind it's hard to catch up by home study though. Go to his office hour and you will succeed

If you don't understand the material, just go to office hours. It's that simple. I took ECON4 during freshman year because I listened in lecture, studied, and went to office hours. I also established a good relationship with the professor too; I still stop by to talk to him once in a while and he has amazing stories and gives great advice.

Everyone who claims this class is very hard clearly did not read the reader. You can either prepare first by reading the reader before lecture or you can even just cram a few days before the midterms, and you should be fine. Tests are open reader and notes (write them in reader). Willoughby himself is a fun guy, keeps lectures fun.

Just understand the cases of Thai me up and Ugly Puppy, the other materials are more like definitions. Reader is your most important reference, so better read it through. Exams may cover things he'd never talked about. Be prepared for class and you may get an A- guarantee.

One of the most bizarre professors. But one of my favorites too. Glad that I met him.

Professor Willoughby is my favorite professor at UCSD! Taking Econ 4 was one of my best choice in college. He was not only friendly but also inspiring. For his class, getting and A and C is definitely a personal choice. If you go to class and find him at office hour, you will not only learn about financial accounting but also many life lessons.

Very helpful professor. His style is harder to follow, but his one of the coolest and funniest professor on campus.

Prof Willoughby is a brilliant professor. He makes sure that no students are left behind and really makes an effort to present the material clearly. He cares about his students. He is by far my favorite professor and is my mentor til this day. The material I learned from his classes helped me a lot in my first job after graduation.

Only class I know that brings in professionals to speak about their finance careers, how they chose them, and how they acquired their jobs. Very useful and practical class, Willoughby does everything he can to bring these networking opportunities to us even spending his own money to treat them after class so we can talk to them for even longer.

Prof Willoughby is very helpful and personalized with the students that take interest in him, and he backs them for everything they do. I am currently working on Wall Street and he has played a pivotal role for me getting there. His class is very practical to the current market and not entirely bookish like other econ courses at UCSD.

Challenging class, no doubt. Go to OH, get to know him & TAs. If it seems like he's picking on you, he's not. It means he likes you (a good thing!). People misunderstand him, his teaching style, jokes.There is no malicious intent. Lighten up. Get to know him (I say this for all instructors, get to know them). You'll be better for it.

You get what you give. Stay focused, go to OH, study hard, and practice repeatedly. Accounting is repetitious. This professor is intimidating, but I took it as a challenge and worked harder. Rank system breeds competition. His methods are unique, to say the least, but you will never forget the material. Single most useful class I took at UCSD.

Prof W challenges you but provides a safe setting to learn from mistakes.“The more you sweat in training the less you bleed in battle”. He doesn't try to screw you over, he’s training you. He goes out of his way to provide support in and out of the classroom. There’s a reason students keep in touch for decades, put in your fair share it's worth it.

There are a lot of professors I like at UCSD, but he was the only one that taught me how to win in the real world. He taught me how little things that most of us were not aware of could make a big difference in the professional world. He is very approachable and gives very constructive advice. Take him and go to OH if you want to be street smart.

Very practical lab to take. Can be combined with 198 to satisfy UD requirement. You learn finance terminology in a fun, relaxed setting while networking with professionals Prof brings in. Opportunity to participate in CFA challenge, he is heavily involved in mentoring. Interesting guy but you can tell he's passionate about what he does.

This class basically destroyed me, although I tried very hard and went to office hours. But I gained a pretty cool friend in Professor Willoughby. It's very rare for professor to make friends with his student. So although I did not receive the grade I wanted, I think I still gained a lot from the class. But this class is not easy!

Prof Ws class was a life changing experience. He was the most influential prof I had the pleasure of taking at SD. He will give you a professional mindset, and you'll develop a skill set in accounting. Both will be invaluable in what you choose to do in the future. Incredibly approachable as well. Go to OH. He wrote me an excellent recommendation

Difficult class but you will get a solid foundation for the rest of your accounting courses. Like what everyone else says, go to OH and keep practicing. It is doable, and he is a pretty cool guy once you get to know him. Not for people who are easily offended, but it does prepare you for the real world where people aren't always going to be PC.

If you are intelligent and hard-working, take this class. If you are not intelligent and lazy, then do not expect neither life nor this class to give you anything easily. Willoughby will teach you some very hard life and accounting lessons. Be prepared.

The most fun and intriguing professor I have had yet. Every day, class is interesting, and professor makes a lot of clever analogies to make parallels to easily understand the concepts. Definetly recommend going to OH...you can clear up concepts you don't understand and get to know the extremely intelligent, helpful and professional professor.

Probably one of the most underrated Professor at UCSD. He keeps his classes interesting, and genuinely tries to help his students. Definitely not the easiest class because financial accounting is new to most who take it with Willoughby, but if you do not take for granted that it is an open-reader exam; not only will you do well, youll learn a lot.

Things have to know:1 the definition of each item on the balance sheet 2 T account( how to say(drcr) temppermenant account)3Difference between :long lived asset and expense; revenue and gains;temporary account and permanent account. He gives two guaranteed A-(get that at ALL costs, just dont get caught), however very tricky with irrelevant info.

Good professor and I learned a lot. However, his exams are extremely hard. no curve at all. Gives out a lot of terms and expects people to have some sort of accounting knowledge before coming to the class. OK professor.

The mid-terms were easy compared to the finals. Paying attention in lessons and reviewing lecture material afterwards are key to securing an 'A'. Even though exams are open book, it pays well to know the material by heart. Use the A- guarantee to your advantage.

Willoughby is THE BEST professor ever. His tests are really straight forwards and they totally reflect the textbook. The textbook itself is not boring, Willoughby writes it. He also gives a lot of credit opportunities in class. All you have to do is participate!! I earned a lot of extra credit by participating. Highly recommended class.

Lectures are not that helpful, though he takes participation and quiz almost every day. Make sure you are really familiar with textbook, and you will be fine.

He's a very cool guy, tells funny stories in class about his family and career. Lecture isn't too useful (should do more examples); reader will be your life. Some questions on the final will be strange (specifics on nordstrom). Tiny details are very important. I like his attitude towards class participation, it beats mindlessly just clicking in.

Willoughby is a smart guy and he knows it. He will teach you more than any other professor in the Econ department if you can suck it up. He can upset students sometimes because he doesn't coddle them and it's great because the real world isn't going to coddle you. Definitely taking extra classes just for him. Lecture hold your attention for sure

Even though it's a intro class, best finance class I took during my time at UCSD. Does he spoon feed everything to you? No. Do you have to do a little supplemental learning on the side? Yes. Hmmm... sounds like what you have to do in an actual job. Also, he's hilarious. Take this class.

I gave a four b/c I did fine, but I probably won't take his class again. His class is fun and challenging, I felt I learned a lot. I understand he tried to make the class more interesting by giving the insurance staffs, but I preferred easier and more straight-forward professors. Anyway, I'm done with his class.

It's hella eazy with minimal homework assignment. I can complete the midterms in 30 minutes and score just fine enough to get A. Final is optional if you make it to No.1 in the ladder.

A great guy. He knows basically everything in this field and gives great instruction. A professor who teaches beyond textbook.

He is the best professor I have ever met. Many students here said it was poor, but i thinks it was because they did not even read the textbook at all. If you just focus on his lecture and study regularly, this class will be really easy. I just read the textbook, focused on his lecture, and studied with his slides. Finally, I got an A on this class.

He's a pretty cool guy and over-all I liked him. I felt his lectures lacked a little structure and he doesn't explain things too well; but he encourages questions and will re-explain things. He does offer lots of extra credit and is pretty funny, but I would recommend using sources outside of class to learn the material if you don't understand it.

People thought that he was really hard, but he grows on you! He wants you to succeed and if you put the time and effort in, then you'll do just fine. If you notice an error in his work, tell him. I almost failed the class due to a careless error, but him knowing my face saved me and i ended up with an A

Lectures seem unorganized but in fact are really well-designed. The best part of the class is the ugly puppy model, which includes all the important principles of accounting. I narrowly missed all three A-insurance quizzes but got the A bonus on final. It gives me a lifelong lesson: one step close to perfect means nothing. Only perfect is perfect.

Misunderstood, stories for days, textbook narcissist, extremely intelligent, very supportive and caring if he decides youre worth it.