Douglas Allen - Simon Fraser University

Professor: Douglas Allen

Department: Economics

College: Simon Fraser University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Requires tons of reading, and going to lecture. Yet still you won't be able to get high on your test. walk into the final, skipping 90% of the questions cause I have no ideas what the heck he is trying to ask. bUT end up passing w a B- cause I guess the curve was that low. But you do learn a lot about real life from him and he is passionate.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Prof. Allen could make inspirational presentation.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Funny and natural lectures, he wrote the textbook so he knows what he's talking about. Professional, engaging, honest, he wants you to get it. Lots of students said he was a tough marker. The exams are difficult, with questions not from the textbook.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He is engaging during lecture, however he rushes slides and does not explain things fully. HIs tests are unreasonably difficult and the way he structures his tests does not promote the idea of learning. Even though you study the material and go to lecture, you can still end up with a very poor mark. Take it with someone else.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

A legend. Best lecturer/prof I've had. -Read the chapter before lectures. -Actually go to lectures. (and pay attention) -Do every homework question. I definitely complained a lot during this class, but it was well worth it. Doug is very passionate and knowledgeable.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ECO103
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Allen is probably the best lecturer I have had throughout my two years at SFU. Class is at 8:30 but still manages to keep you engaged. He has a unique way of teaching Economics and applies to ongoing real-life events, unlike most professors. This class requires a lot of time and work, however, you can obtain a good grade if you work hard.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Doug presents economic ideas/principles in an unique way, applying concepts to everyday life. After taking ECON103 with him, I felt like I truly learned economics beyond the textbook (plus, his lectures are engaging!). Be warned, this class requires lots of work to get a good grade. Exams are heavily theory based. You either love him or hate him.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Doug is clearly passionate about econ. Hardest class I've taken so far in Uni but I am a first year in my second sem. I got an A+ in 105, but finished 103 with a B+. He teaches the concept really subjectively but overall lectures were helpful and the class is curved. It is a rewarding class and interesting, but to get an A you have to work hard

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Doug is really passionate about Economics, but I personally found his lectures hit or miss; either I listened to the whole thing and learned a lot, or I tuned out about halfway through. If you take Doug, I definitely recommend doing lots of the textbook questions since he lets you replace your midterm with your final if you do better (saved me).

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Class is too hard

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I always found the field of economics distasteful and boring, but after taking Doug's 103 class I've come to really appreciate the study. His passion for the subject was really motivating and I'm definitely gonna remember the topics he taught us for years to come. Haven't had the final yet so don't quote me on everything.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

everyone should take one class with doug allen at some point in your education for the experience. it's very clear that hes good at what he does and he shows it. however, his exams are made as if you know as much as he does. extremely high quality prof with a pretty high difficulty. avg for midterm was around 53%

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

nothing has made me cry as much as this class has. good prof, but hardest class ever. makes me want to drop out of school. midterm is really hard

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

nothing has made me cry as much as this class has. good prof, but hardest class ever. makes me want to drop out of school

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I remember him saying something about changing your view on economics after you take his class and I believe it really worked! His textbook was the best I've ever read. If you read his textbook and understand the main concepts it won't be hard getting a good grade in his class. He really knows his stuff and can explain every concept so well!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ECON427
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Professor D is awesome. I took his ECON427 Law and Economics. It was one of the best course I have ever taken at SFU. Professor D is very knowledgeable and inspirational. Not only does he talk about theories, he also took time to help us write concisely and efficiently! If you were here to learn, take his course. Cuz you are going to learn a lot!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ECO103
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Incredible prof, with a great course and a very unique and effective textbook/teaching method. Fun and casual when you want it, and straight to the point when you need it. If you understand the concepts (some may be difficult to grasp -- take your time reading and understanding each concept carefully), the course is a breeze. This prof is a gem.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

he teaches economics like a theory class if you're interested in learning how an economist thinks of the world - he's your guy not sure how good he is for prepping students for higher level econ no math on the midterm or final - all application midterm is forgivable - blessing don't regret taking his course but won't take him again for other econ

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I thoroughly enjoyed all of my lectures thanks to Doug's unique style of teaching. You can really tell that he is both passionate and knowledgeable. But if you are easily offended or can't have your views criticized you should avoid this class. Like other people say be prepared to study A LOT outside class, but the reward is amazing!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ECON103
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Excellent class on the neoclassical model of thinking. Don't take this class if you're easily offended or come from a Marxist or Feminist point of view - it will deeply offend you. Be prepared to work for your grade and spend a LOT of time outside of class. He's also a beast. Last thing he said to me was "See you on RateMyProf!" Hello Allen!