Michael Sproul
Department of Economics
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3.2
Overall Rating
Based on 29 Users
Easiness 2.5 / 5 How easy the class is, 1 being extremely difficult and 5 being easy peasy.
Clarity 3.5 / 5 How clear the class is, 1 being extremely unclear and 5 being very clear.
Workload 2.2 / 5 How much workload the class is, 1 being extremely heavy and 5 being extremely light.
Helpfulness 3.5 / 5 How helpful the class is, 1 being not helpful at all and 5 being extremely helpful.

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GRADE DISTRIBUTIONS
17.8%
14.8%
11.9%
8.9%
5.9%
3.0%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

13.9%
11.6%
9.3%
7.0%
4.6%
2.3%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

22.0%
18.3%
14.7%
11.0%
7.3%
3.7%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

15.6%
13.0%
10.4%
7.8%
5.2%
2.6%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

ENROLLMENT DISTRIBUTIONS
Clear marks

Sorry, no enrollment data is available.

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Reviews (25)

2 of 3
2 of 3
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Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 29, 2009

Sproul's makes sure to explain all the concepts clearly, mostly through graphs that are easy to understand- I don't know if his lack of emphasis on the math behind all the material will be good in the long term, but it definitely makes this class easier. He has a nasally professorish voice and a dry sense of humor that I found kind of entertaining, so I thought his lectures were pretty good. The tests/quizzes are straightforward, he posts a list of all the topics that will be one each one and basically sticks to them. You'll get graded on three 20 point quizzes, a 35 point final, a textbook-like summary of an economic topic for three points, and you have to post a set of notes for two points. The medians tend to be fairly high because the tests aren't too tough, so if you slip up a little bit the curve will hurt your grade. Overall I liked him as a professor and would recommend him.

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Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 27, 2009

Great guy that talks in a hilarious nasally voice. He gave us his cell phone number so we can ask questions. The grading was fair but with this class you have to be on it because there is a 20% quiz every couple of weeks. I find that the quizzes actually helped me with the final because I didn't have to cram as much. He quizzes you on a set list of topics that he gives out before each quiz. The final is just a cumulation of all the quizzes with emphasis on the stuff since the last quiz. Nothing tricky so I don't know what some of these people are talking about. If you understand his lectures, like learning concepts visually, and hate math, this class will be cake.

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Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 24, 2009

I enjoyed his lectures very much. It's true his grading system needs a little work because every point counts. There are 3 quizzes, each worth 20 points. The final is worth 50 points. The extra credit isn't really extra credit since everyone does it. So the class is out of around 116 points. If you miss a couple of points, you are set back one grade level. Aside from his grading system, I think he's a really good professor. He is very helpful during office hours and he makes understanding easier without all the funky equation. However, he probably doesn't prepare you well enough for Econ 101. Overall, he's pretty decent professor.

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Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 23, 2009

I completely agree that his grading system is horrible. Every point counts, really, and you CANNOT screw up on anything. You miss a one here, one there, and there goes a chunk of your grade that cannot be fixed. In lecture, he's a cool guy, but when it comes to grading--not so lucky. He has some screwed up curve system that brings you down, and the "extra credit" assignments are not actually extra credit. I went to every single lecture, discussion, took notes and paid attention, did every assignment and ended up with a C. He asks random stuff on his tests too (stuff I never had heard of), and tries to trick you too. I absolutely did not like this class, and because of Sproul's Econ11, I am seriously considering changing my major.

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Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 23, 2009

his grading system is horrible, yet he isn't. he is an extremely good professor and very helpful during office hours. try to get a ta that has already taught with him before, because during discussion they will go over previous problems that he has put on quizzes. i really liked his class and i learned a lot, but less than a 10 point cumulative difference can change your grade drastically.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 7, 2009

Greatest. Econ. Professor. Ever.

Don't bother buying the textbook- if you attend every lecture, you'll do fine.

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Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
April 16, 2009

his tests are fair, but the grading system needs work. the overall class grade curve shifts up! so if you miss few points here and there, you are screwed. pretty much one mistake will really hurt you. don't expect to be able to bring your grade up after you have screwed up on few of his "quizzes." you will regret that you have sticked around. if you don't have problem learning how to solve mathematical approached problems, take mcdevitt over this guy any day, at least the grading system wouldn't count against you. do not expect any leniency from him, it won't happen!

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
April 15, 2009

AWESOME professor.

He covers the material very effectively and takes you through the steps one step at a time, making it very easy to understand. He also cracks some actually pretty funny jokes which keeps things lively, but most importantly his lectures are effective and entertaining. Three quizes and a final. Each quiz is one short answer and 20 multiple choice. Final was two short answer and 35 multiple choice. Go to lectures and discussions and this class should be a breeze. I ended up with an A+ in this class.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
March 31, 2009

One of the best professors I've ever had. You will learn real economic theory in this class, rather than mindless problem solving. The curve is not forgiving because people score high (multiple choice tests), so 1-2 points is the difference between B students and A students. Tests are very shot, so you basically spend time thinking hard and clearly about each and every question. About every 1-2 points is 1% of your grade.

If you memorize all the lectures you'll have at least a B. To get an A you need to understand the lectures, because you can't afford to miss more than 1-2 questions per 20 question quiz for an A.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
March 23, 2009

Great Professors, can't complain at all. Went to every class and never fell asleep, he relates the material so well to our lives and whats going on in the real world. Quizzes and final are moderate and is all based on lecture. You really don't even need to buy the book, just read his online text. You won't see many professors with this much passion towards Economics, goodluck and have fun.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 29, 2009

Sproul's makes sure to explain all the concepts clearly, mostly through graphs that are easy to understand- I don't know if his lack of emphasis on the math behind all the material will be good in the long term, but it definitely makes this class easier. He has a nasally professorish voice and a dry sense of humor that I found kind of entertaining, so I thought his lectures were pretty good. The tests/quizzes are straightforward, he posts a list of all the topics that will be one each one and basically sticks to them. You'll get graded on three 20 point quizzes, a 35 point final, a textbook-like summary of an economic topic for three points, and you have to post a set of notes for two points. The medians tend to be fairly high because the tests aren't too tough, so if you slip up a little bit the curve will hurt your grade. Overall I liked him as a professor and would recommend him.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 27, 2009

Great guy that talks in a hilarious nasally voice. He gave us his cell phone number so we can ask questions. The grading was fair but with this class you have to be on it because there is a 20% quiz every couple of weeks. I find that the quizzes actually helped me with the final because I didn't have to cram as much. He quizzes you on a set list of topics that he gives out before each quiz. The final is just a cumulation of all the quizzes with emphasis on the stuff since the last quiz. Nothing tricky so I don't know what some of these people are talking about. If you understand his lectures, like learning concepts visually, and hate math, this class will be cake.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 24, 2009

I enjoyed his lectures very much. It's true his grading system needs a little work because every point counts. There are 3 quizzes, each worth 20 points. The final is worth 50 points. The extra credit isn't really extra credit since everyone does it. So the class is out of around 116 points. If you miss a couple of points, you are set back one grade level. Aside from his grading system, I think he's a really good professor. He is very helpful during office hours and he makes understanding easier without all the funky equation. However, he probably doesn't prepare you well enough for Econ 101. Overall, he's pretty decent professor.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 23, 2009

I completely agree that his grading system is horrible. Every point counts, really, and you CANNOT screw up on anything. You miss a one here, one there, and there goes a chunk of your grade that cannot be fixed. In lecture, he's a cool guy, but when it comes to grading--not so lucky. He has some screwed up curve system that brings you down, and the "extra credit" assignments are not actually extra credit. I went to every single lecture, discussion, took notes and paid attention, did every assignment and ended up with a C. He asks random stuff on his tests too (stuff I never had heard of), and tries to trick you too. I absolutely did not like this class, and because of Sproul's Econ11, I am seriously considering changing my major.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 23, 2009

his grading system is horrible, yet he isn't. he is an extremely good professor and very helpful during office hours. try to get a ta that has already taught with him before, because during discussion they will go over previous problems that he has put on quizzes. i really liked his class and i learned a lot, but less than a 10 point cumulative difference can change your grade drastically.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
June 7, 2009

Greatest. Econ. Professor. Ever.

Don't bother buying the textbook- if you attend every lecture, you'll do fine.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
April 16, 2009

his tests are fair, but the grading system needs work. the overall class grade curve shifts up! so if you miss few points here and there, you are screwed. pretty much one mistake will really hurt you. don't expect to be able to bring your grade up after you have screwed up on few of his "quizzes." you will regret that you have sticked around. if you don't have problem learning how to solve mathematical approached problems, take mcdevitt over this guy any day, at least the grading system wouldn't count against you. do not expect any leniency from him, it won't happen!

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
April 15, 2009

AWESOME professor.

He covers the material very effectively and takes you through the steps one step at a time, making it very easy to understand. He also cracks some actually pretty funny jokes which keeps things lively, but most importantly his lectures are effective and entertaining. Three quizes and a final. Each quiz is one short answer and 20 multiple choice. Final was two short answer and 35 multiple choice. Go to lectures and discussions and this class should be a breeze. I ended up with an A+ in this class.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
March 31, 2009

One of the best professors I've ever had. You will learn real economic theory in this class, rather than mindless problem solving. The curve is not forgiving because people score high (multiple choice tests), so 1-2 points is the difference between B students and A students. Tests are very shot, so you basically spend time thinking hard and clearly about each and every question. About every 1-2 points is 1% of your grade.

If you memorize all the lectures you'll have at least a B. To get an A you need to understand the lectures, because you can't afford to miss more than 1-2 questions per 20 question quiz for an A.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: N/A
Grade: N/A
March 23, 2009

Great Professors, can't complain at all. Went to every class and never fell asleep, he relates the material so well to our lives and whats going on in the real world. Quizzes and final are moderate and is all based on lecture. You really don't even need to buy the book, just read his online text. You won't see many professors with this much passion towards Economics, goodluck and have fun.

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
2 of 3
3.2
Overall Rating
Based on 29 Users
Easiness 2.5 / 5 How easy the class is, 1 being extremely difficult and 5 being easy peasy.
Clarity 3.5 / 5 How clear the class is, 1 being extremely unclear and 5 being very clear.
Workload 2.2 / 5 How much workload the class is, 1 being extremely heavy and 5 being extremely light.
Helpfulness 3.5 / 5 How helpful the class is, 1 being not helpful at all and 5 being extremely helpful.

TOP TAGS

There are no relevant tags for this professor yet.

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