Very unorganized and chaotic class but the workload is so light and the TAs go over the homework in section. Personally, I thought she was so entertaining and silly but if you want a more organized professor she isn't the best choice. Final was a choice between short paper or video on topic of your choice and midterm was short multiple choice.
Content wasn't particularily hard but there is a CRAZY curve so I'm pretty sure most of the bad reviews out there are from people who didn't bother putting in any work. Will admit that Cindy wasn't the best lecturer though. She had a tendency to go on side rants and would make random graphs that she wouldn't post later.
I LOVE CINDY BENELLI!She is SO kind and the class is 100% manageable if you do the practice quizzes and read the textbook before tests.Ppl make it out to be super difficult but it's not if they actually tried.Lectures are very fun and the hw, quiz, and analysis project grading is lenient.I thought the class was fascinating and am a Cindy supporter
She was nice, but also really unorganized (that was the hardest part of the class). As long as you read the book and watch some YouTube videos, you'll pass. The material is easy, but you won't really know 100% what your grade will be until the end. She let some people skip the final depending on their grade percentage, so keep those grades up!
The teacher is extremely disorganized and chaotic, yet never apologetic. The tests are really easy, and she often said the exam would be much longer than it was (not in a good way). Despite receiving a good grade, I would never take a class with this professor again, and I would recommend you avoid taking one with her as well.
Cindy easily ranks as the worst professor in UCSB's econ department. Zero preparation, handwritten nonsense instead of slides, and exams full of typos. Her lectures were chaotic at best, and she constantly sought pity instead of taking accountability. Tenure shouldn't be a pass for incompetence. she seems like an ok person, but a terrible teacher.
I will not stand for all this benelli hate. Sure she is a little disorganized but it's not as bad as people are making it out to be. Very clear about criteria and expectations for the course on the first day so as long as you listen then you'll be fine. I barely did the readings but went to all lectures and did good. She is also very understanding.
Makes economics digestible for beginners and genuinely wants you to pass the class. If you ever have any concerns she responds and gives you advice on whatever it is you need. Actually made me sort of like economics.
Would never take this class again. The lectures are boring and disorganized, they go on rants that aren't related to the class, and they overcomplicate seemingly simple concepts. Sections are pointless. If you need to take econ you're better off taking econ 1 and 2. She's a nice person but a horrible professor.
They post lecture slides but the slides are vague without their commentary. Exams are pretty annoying seeing as there are no study guides and you're only given the modules that will be on the exam (which is usually 10+ at a time for like 30 questions). Section is so pointless all you do is take attendance and watch videos from canvas.
Out of my 4 years being in college, never have I met a more disorganized, unhelpful, and careless professor in my entire academic life. Not only does she not provide lecture notes, study guides, or even proper practice material, but her office hours are extremely unorganized, as most of the time she is joining from her phone unprepared. Do not take
I'm currently in 114A with her and she is very sweet and accommodating. The lectures can seem to be a little confusing sometimes but I did well on the first exam. As long as you can write down what she shows in lecture and study that you will be perfectly fine. If you regularly attend lecture she will tell you what you need to know for the exam.
She's well meaning, but she is incredibly unorganized and can't even give clear instructions on her OWN exam. We walked into the exam and changed a question verbally mid-test. The homeworks don't make sense, and she doesn't post class slides with the excuse of "bad handwriting." Her answers to questions make you more confused. I've learned nothing.
Cindy is super nice, I took 2 classes with her. She wants you to succeed and if you're confused, she's always happy to help. Her class (managerial econ, not 114) helped me learn before my summer M&A internship. Go to lecture and you'll do well. Cindy is the best! I feel like bad reviews are from people who didn't put in effort and got bad grades.
She's all over the place during lecture. So incredibly hard to follow, kinda have to teach the class to yourself.
While sometimes unorganized, she made homework and tests relatively easy and gave extra credit opportunities. Lectures were sometimes difficult to follow but overall the class wasn't difficult.
Benelli gets easily distracted in class and tells personal stories instead of teaching material. She wasn't able to get through all the material necessary for the final in my class. Be ready to have to learn most of the material on your own since she rushes through notes in class time.
She's a mix of really good and poor qualities. She's very lenient, especially with late work and grading, pretty much everyone passes. However, her lectures are very disorganized and don't connect easily with the types of questions she asks on exams. You also have no idea what you're grade is until after the final. Teach yourself the material.
she is so confusing and her lectures feel pointless because she doesn't cover anything we are tested on.
Lectures aren't mandatory but you will have to teach yourself the material, her slides aren't very helpful. Exams are tough and questions aren't based on the lectures so you will have to read to understand. Study and read and you will be fine but wouldn't take her again
Benelli is nice but her class is so confusing especially the lectures, they make no sense. Her tests have nothing to do with what she teaches so you better get the textbook out or figure out some other way to learn the material. Good luck!
Super disorganized and all over the place. No structure. Grade is unknown until the last minute, lectures aren't helpful. Just hope for a good TA.
I have never had a professor so disorganized. I would avoid this class if possible, just take econ1 instead. I regret taking this course so much, her lectures are honestly useless and the only way the information was actually digestible was through my TA. Avoid this class at all costs!!
Cindy is a nice enough person, but is SO disorganized. The lectures make no sense and honestly confused me more every time I went to them. Quizzes every week, fair amount of homework. 2 exams with an optional final to replace your lowest exam score. Exams make no sense and are not reflective of any material taught. good luck