ECON 2070

I took this class with Amalia Miller. This class is pretty boring and theoretical, and isn't actually really taught for those without an econ background. There are problem sets which are REALLY long and annoying, and surprisingly difficult for a 2000 level class. Overall, this class is not the most challenging and the exams were pretty easy, but it was really boring and I don't think I would recommend.

The class consists of 6 homework grades worth 50% (with the lowest dropped), a midterm worth 20%, and a final worth 30%. Homework is graded surprisingly harshly, so it’s important to put effort into the first one since feedback isn’t provided until several assignments are submitted.

Lectures are extremely theoretical, and only a small portion of the material appears on the midterm and final. The actual content tested could be learned in a week or two. This is the biggest issue with the class, as the heavy focus on theory causes most students to check out during the 75-minute lectures.

The midterm and final are relatively easy because the professor provides review problems and outlines what to expect. However, if you haven’t taken microeconomics, you might struggle with the graphs and utility concepts, as prior knowledge is assumed. With some studying, though, scoring 90+ is very manageable.

Overall, it’s surprisingly challenging for a 2000-level class marketed as accessible to everyone. Econ majors should have no problem getting an A, but you’re likely better off taking two 3000-level classes to fulfill graduation requirements—you’ll learn more and feel less bored. While the class covers a lot, I didn’t come away feeling like I had learned anything knew (Gender pay gap still exists and is due largely to discrimination and childcare).