The professor changed his grading to free response from multiple choice and it made this class a disaster. There were no previous tests to study, the study guide was useless, and when we got the right answer we would get an 8/10. That being said, I got a D- on the midterm and probably an F on the final and got a B+ so I don't know what to say.
Not an enjoyable class. He's a nice person but he can't teach at all and repeats slides word for word like Hartman. Average for midterm was 52/100 and final was 67 /100 because he wanted to "try a new format." Probably the worst Econ class I took since I don't even know how to study for this class but curve was huge it seems. Not recommended
He is a nice guy, but he is not a good professor. The midterm average is about 50/100. He just repeat the PPT. Would not recommend this professor. I will never take his class at all in the future.
His class is really boring and tough! He is like repeat the exactly the same examples from the textbook. so you don't need to go to the class, you just need to read the textbook at home. The average score of the midterm is 50/100, which means he is really not good at setting the question. Such a low average score proves his teaching is very poor.
He seems like a nice guy but he's not good at teaching and just repeat slides verbatim. The new format of midterm he just tested out contains question which sounds simple, but worded so vaguely you have to guess what he is talking about and even contradicted book at times(so who's right?). Would not recommend and awful job preparing students.
Birchenall seems to really care about his students. However, his lectures are boring and exactly the same as the textbook readings. His tests are quite easy, and are very similar to practice tests posted online. For this reason, test averages are high, so you must do really well, because the class is graded on a curve. Overall, not a bad choice!
Professor Birchenall was not that bad. If you do the reading and practice the released exams you will be fine. The only problem is the econ curve. My score in the class was a 82.2% but I came out of the class with a C. Make sure you score high above the average because I feel like the exams were similar to past exams (making it easy & avgs high).
Long complicated lectures that are very math heavy. All homework assignments are difficult math problem sets due every week and won't be tested on until the final. I would also recommend taking Econ 101 before taking this class. I can't even begin to explain the frustration I felt from taking this class, beware!!!
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.
Honestly not a very enjoyable class. The homework is worth 30% and is fairly difficult (make sure to go to office hours for help). The midterm is very straightforward MC. The final free response is almost impossible so do not expect to leave feeling like you aced the test. The curve is massive for this class so don't worry too much.
LOL the easiest A I've gotten from the major. Just try and do well and the midterm (MC) and you should be alright. The free response on the final was iINCREDIBLY difficult but the curve in the end is very forgiving. I got a 25% on the first FRQ and an 85% on the second FRQ and still managed to do well in the class.
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?