Introduction to Macroeconomics · BC
10 problem sets (25%) 2 Open Note Exams (25% each) Take home final (25%)
Why do you care? YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE THE CLASS!! Its not that hard though - if you acknowledge the fact that regulation is the devil and worship at the altar of the austrian school....
4 tests (you can drop the 1st or 3rd grade). the 3rd test is a take-home. the 4th test (final) in non-cumulative. you never have to memorize a formula. There is regular reading in the text book and weekly problem-set assignments.
Reasonable midterm and harder final, hard problem sets. Some class participation (at the margin).
Not bad at all. Problem set once a week, two "essays," and three exams.
One of the most straightforward classes I've ever taken. She explains everything very clearly and often let us out of class early. She's also really charming and tells wonderful stories every now and then. You do not have to go to recitation most weeks and even if you do it is NEVER two hours long. Don't bother buying the textbook, her notes are more than enough. The TAs were also really helpful. Exams are open note. If you understand the problem sets, you'll get an A on the exams. She never tries to trick you.
Basically, don't take this class. Even if you do well, you'll regret having spent the time you did studying. Because that is how useless the curriculum is. Get a copy of the Economist for a year - your money will be better spent. There are too many great classes and gifted teachers at Barnard and Columbia - don't waste your time and money on this guy
I love this woman! As someone who has avoided math for the past 2 years of college, I don't know what I would've done without Professor Kenny. She is patient, intelligent, and well-organized. She tells you exactly what she expects you to know on each test and encourages you to ask questions. She even gives out her home phone number before tests. Her lectures were always helpful and informative and clearly planned. She also has a sense of humor, which helps in a math course, and shows a genuine interest and enthusiasm for statistics that's not overbearing. I think I actually LIKE stats now, and I really don't enjoy math. If you must take statistics, take it with Professor Kenny.
Steinsson's lectures were really engaging and interesting. They incorporated aspects of history and political science which was really cool. I would recommend going to his lectures and reviewing the slides after because they are the bulk of what appears on his tests. His problem sets were very difficult and time consuming, but we were not tested on much of the material that appeared in problem sets or what was covered in recitation.
Julie Patterson is by far the nicest, clearest professor I've had in college. She is so smart and knows the material well. She wants to hear student feedback and wants the students to do well. She is incredibly friendly and outgoing, and understands that psych majors are taking this class to understand psych articles so she tailors the class to that group. The tests were all open notes, and the homeworks weren't too difficult. If you put the work in, you will get an A. Julie is awesome. Take her class!