Nice guy. Lectures were frustrating because they were repeats of the reading assignments in the textbook. I felt like I wasn't learning anything more, but still had to go for attendance. Exam questions are a bit tricky if you don't know the concepts inside out. But put in the effort, go to CLAS, do a lot of practice exams, and you'll do fine.

Lecture mandatory because of iClicker, but section is not mandatory. His dad jokes are hilarious. Lectures recorded which is a plus. Downside is that we have to purchase Cengage program, but it's a good program that I would definitely pay for again because it is worth the money, although buying the physical textbook is not necessary.

Boring lectures, only need to attend 75% of the lectures to get 100% in participation. Drops lowest 2 homework grades. Just read the textbook and follow the slides that are posted online and you should be good! Birchenall seems like he genuinely cares about his students.

The most boring teacher at UCSB so far. His lectures are basically retelling the lectures so dont expect it to be interesting. Basically if you seat in class do iClicker and read the textbook you have solid chacne of gettting a good grade in class. I would drop this class if it was not for my major. If you have choice than pick other teacher.

Personally this class was very easy compared to ECON1. The homework were simple examples from the book and the midterms and final are all multiple choice. Section is "optional" but I recommend going to all of them because we go over examples. Just listen to lecture (he records them but uses iclickers), read the book, and show up to section.

He is soooo boring. Horrible to listen to. Love econ. Hated the class. If you care about an interesting lecture, please don't take this class. Dull, monotonous, this is the worst review I've ever given. I don't think I've ever given below a 3 before this. Words to the wise.

Lectures are based off the book and are recorded so don't worry if you can't type fast enough. He lectures slowly, you might want to read before class because its easy to doze off. Use CLAS because they provide lots of practice problems-otherwise you will be left wondering how some of the info will be presented on tests. Can go to any TAs sections!

Honestly the curve is what makes all the econ classes hard. Although the content isn't hard, the test is designed to trick students . CLAS is absolutely necessary and his lectures are actually useless because it's ALL in the book. I only went because of iclickers. Make sure to do all the hw, get practice tests, and actually read!

2 midterms, iclicker for attendance (5 lowest dropped), homework (2 lowest dropped), 1 final. Birchenall sets up the class so that it's impossible to fail (unless you don't take the final or something). However, it's still super hard because of the curve so make sure that you understand your homework or else the tests will be impossible.

His lectures alone will NOT prepare you for the questions on the test- CLAS is 100% necessary in order to do well on the tests. Read the book, go to lecture, and do ALL of the practice tests, and go to the Econ Lab. IF you understand the topics and do practice problems, you will be okay. Going to his office hours to understand concepts also helps.

Very nice teacher, cares about his students- always has his office hours open to explain any confusion on any topics. His lectures are straight from the book though. His lectures alone DO NOT prepare you for the tests, CLAS is 100% necessary in order to prepare yourself for the tests. Do all the practice test and you'll be fine.

He records his lectures, so that's cool, but like he's just sorta meh. He's not BAD at explaining or lecturing, but he's not that good at it either.

Lower-division econ classes are generally hard due to the fact that they are graded on a very rigid curve. This aside, the material is actually very easy, it's just presented to you in a purposefully tricky way on the test. Read, take practice tests, go to CLAS, and attend lectures to pass this class.

Honestly the worst Econ professor I have had at this school. Hes a friendly and chipper guy but has absolutely no idea how to teach. You'll get full credit on the HW basically just for doing it. His tests were ridiculous and I know for a fact everyone got at least 30% on his final, yet myself and many others ended up with a B in the course?

If iClicker didn't exist I'm convinced nobody would've ever shown up. Birchenall does everything by the book. His tests are sneaky but he really makes you think. Lectures were long and boring and he went too quickly through them, but that was ok since the tests were all book-based anyways. Hw was easy but the platform cost $75. Nice guy, easy class

Too chill for his students good (he's goes very slowly over a chapter and then crams in the next one right before midterm, with those chapters being tested equally). Read the textbook in class (iClicker) and take your own notes, bc his are lectures lack detail. Teaching ability aside, he's likable.

Birchenall is a super sweet guy and you can tell he's passionate about what he does. I wouldn't say his lectures are long at all, just make sure to pay attention and follow along. He follows the textbook pretty closely but does add a few extra things. 2 midterms & 1 final, but he cushions your grade with attendance and homework. Very FAIR class.

Such a hard class. The final was ridiculous. Seriously I thought this was supposed to be easier than Econ 1. I did we'll in Econ 1 but this class was a lot harder and required more effort. Glad it's over.

He is a really sweet guy. His lectures follow the book well. Sometimes lectures an be a bit boring. Definitely do the reading!!! The midterms are tricky but if u study the book u will do good. Sections are optional but I suggest u go cuz it helps for hw. Hw is not too bad. Go to lecture!! has iclicker . Overall easier than Econ 1

u need a PILLOW when u attend the class. please don't day-DREAM to get full grade on each of ur homework.

He is a good guy. Take him WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE. If you take Rupert, you are sure to never survive. Trust me, Birchenall is literally the ray of hope that anyone would need. Don't wait to take him, take him before you lose your chance. He is the best Econ 2 prof you can get. Try to take him as if you life depends on it.

Easy professor. I went to class for iclicker but did not listen to him because he lectures straight from the book. Read the book and do the hw. If you make sure you understand the problems then you'll ace the tests which are relatively easy

Although he's noot the best at explaining topics, he follows the book exactly. If you read the book, you'll do great on the tests. Both the midterm and final are MC and have pretty straight-forward questions. iClickers are based on participation, so easy points there. Would probably take another course from him b/c of easiness.

The professor talks really boring in lectures and he just takes what's in the textbook and put them on his slides. Not very efficient. He also spent too much time reviewing the previous lecture. There is not enough sources for us to practice and he does not provide detailed explanations after midterm and final. But the class was pretty ok.