ECON 4430

Environmental Economics is a course that justifiably earns a great rep in the econ department as a 4000-level elective. While I have mostly enjoyed the course and do not regret taking it at all, I will say that the class is not for everyone.

Professor Shobe's lectures are definitely energetic and enthusiastic which I definitely respected. You can tell the man really cares about the material and he also is always open to answering all questions. I definitely enjoyed certain topics in the course but felt as though we could've gone more into depth on some of the tougher subjects and really learned more. The class felt like a 2000-level econ course, which was both nice at times but also sort of frustrating. If you are truly interested in environmental economics and want an in depth look on the topics in this course, then I do not think this class will satisfy you. If, however, you want a general overview on environmental economics, then you will enjoy this course. Overall, I have mostly good things to say about the class. I just wish at times we dived a little bit deeper into the topics.

The best class!!!

Shobe's a pretty cool lecturer. I really enjoyed what he taught, and he really does seem to know the subject well. I think the class is definitely worth taking! Professor Shobe is also one of the nicest teachers at UVA. You really don't find many cut from this high-quality cloth here.

Great lecturer. Very passionate about the topic and has very relevant experience. It's important to do the readings for the exams but he does cover them to a lower level in class. A couple exams and a couple short papers. Overall highly recommended, one of the best professors at UVA.

I had high expectations for this class, but it fell a little bit flat in the end. Not a bad class, but still a little disappointing. Lecture primarily deals with stuff that's in the readings, which are relatively unnecessary except for the ones that he really harps on.

Tests are pretty straightforward and graded easily, paper was very toughly graded (who knows, he must've hated my topic) but still not too bad of a grade in the end. Extra credit exists for showing up, but that's pretty disorganized and varies from semester to semester.

Bottom line, Shobe is a nice guy who really cares about his lectures, but he is scattered brained and a reallllyyyy slow grader. Probably worth taking, but not mind-blowing by any stretch.

Shobe is a great professor, and you can tell he really cares about environmental econ policy. Class isn't tough, just do the readings. Rewarding stuff.

Don't take this class based on the grade distribution that is shown. It just isn't true.

Shobe is an engaging lecturer and you can tell he loves to teach. When it comes to teaching, Shobe is one of the stronger professors in the Econ dept. This class isn't as easy as many of the reviews say. Also, you don't need to read all the assigned readings -- just read the more impt ones, which are emphasized in class.

Shobe is absurdly demonstrative, disorganized, enrgetic, and, most of all, nice. He's a fair guy who cares more about you taking something away from the class than memorizing useless info. This is a course you want to take. And he's the guy you want to take it with. And if that's not good enough, just look at the grade distribution.

Good class, enthusiastic professor.

This class involves zero math. It's all conceptual and the concepts are, for the most part, pretty intuitive. Go to the lectures, look over your notes the night before the exam, get an A. Shobe is a nice guy too.

As far as 400 level econs go, this is an easy class and I learned a thing or two. I literally did work outside of class three times: Once before each of the two midterms and once before the final. Shobe is energetic and you'll actually find yourself laughing a few times during lectures.

really interesting class

Shobe is AWESOME. He is a little scatter brained during lecture, but so energetic you forgive him, and he gets to the point eventually so its not detrimental. Classy is not math-y at all, for people looking for less math based econ classes. It includes one short (5 page) paper, a midterm and a final. Midterm and final are mostly just explaining things, with minimal graphs. Definitely take this class, and take it with Shobe!

amazing class. definitely one of the best econ classes i've taken so far.

Shobe is by far the best economics professor/lecturer I have had at this university! His energy and ability to engage his students makes this a must-take class. Very reasonable for a 400 level econ class in one's 4th year.

Prof. Shobe has forever changed the way I look at the world. BARGAINING!!!!!!!!

I have never had before this class and Porf. Shobe a so funny teacher. His class is entertaining and very interesting especially in regards to the latest actuality.
Definetly worth it !

Shobe is really passionate about this class and his students. It's a fairly straightforward class but you'll definitely still learn things. I'd recommend it to people.

This course has been a huge bore and major disappointment. The professor is well intentioned, but in general not as interesting or organized as I would expect for an Econ elective. It has problem sets, which do not count for points but will definitely help you on the tests. Keep up with those and lecture periodically and you should do fine.

Shobe's awesome. Definitely cares about teaching and his students. I thought this class was very interesting