A good lecture prof. Let's be honest though, the reason he is getting so many 4.0s is because he is easy. Some people are giving 4.0's because he's a nice man, which he is. He is very approachable and will help you out. He also has class organize...
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A good lecture prof. Let's be honest though, the reason he is getting so many 4.0s is because he is easy. Some people are giving 4.0's because he's a nice man, which he is. He is very approachable and will help you out. He also has class organized very well for how many kids are taking it. Aplia makes sense and is related to what you will do in the class. These would all be good reasons to give him a 4.0, if you think that makes him worthy of one.
But, most people give him a 4.0 because it is an easy 4.0 in the class. This is honestly a class where you dont' really have to show up...you just have to buy the practice exams and do them, memorize them, and learn the concepts behind them by reading his answers. Once you commit that to memory, you will get a perfect score on the exams (unless you make stupid mistakes). The class really is that simple.
The reason I'm giving him a 3.5 and not a 4.0 is two big reasons. One, he is a little too aggressive with his opinions. I hate profs that won't give any opinion. But I do not like ones that say out of the zone shit, such as equating people who promote price ceilings to terrorists (yes he did it...and I know some of you that love love him will attack me..but he said it).
The second reason, he lectures too stupidly sometimes. He beats you over the head with a concept over and over, when only one sentence needs to be said. Additionally, I like a little challenge to a course...this doesn't really give it at all (which of course is not all his fault). Simply put, I wish the course would move faster, but then I understand the rate of people getting 4.0s would go down, thus the rate of happy students would as well :/.
Anyway, he is a very nice man, has a good stage presence, and knows his material. No reason not to take him, especially those of you in need of a GPA boast or a not-so-demanding class. Goodluck
Professor rated by: Student on 11/5/05
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
+1 Helpful
2
EC 201 - Introduction to Microeconomics
Ballard was a good professor who knew his material but he was an arrogant prick. I did wind up with a 4.0 in the class because it was easy, but this man really needs to get off of his soapbox. He updates his textbook regularly so students have to p...
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Ballard was a good professor who knew his material but he was an arrogant prick. I did wind up with a 4.0 in the class because it was easy, but this man really needs to get off of his soapbox. He updates his textbook regularly so students have to purchase a new edition...guess where those royalties go? In his fat pocket. This man's understanding of economics is superior to most, so it is very hard to believe that he does not see the extortion he is practicing. He is no better than any of the robber barons in the financial industry who perpetrated the recent market crash. The only difference is that there will never be any oversight of a tenured professor who pretends to kiss his students asses. Think about it folks...this guy is a crook.
Professor rated by: Student on 11/24/08
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
-1 Helpful
Student Ratings 1 - 20 of 411
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
A good lecture prof. Let's be honest though, the reason he is getting so many 4.0s is because he is easy. Some people are giving 4.0's because he's a nice man, which he is. He is very approachable and will help you out. He also has class organized very well for how many kids are taking it. Aplia makes sense and is related to what you will do in the class. These would all be good reasons to give him a 4.0, if you think that makes him worthy of one.
But, most people give him a 4.0 because it is an easy 4.0 in the class. This is honestly a class where you dont' really have to show up...you just have to buy the practice exams and do them, memorize them, and learn the concepts behind them by reading his answers. Once you commit that to memory, you will get a perfect score on the exams (unless you make stupid mistakes). The class really is that simple.
The reason I'm giving him a 3.5 and not a 4.0 is two big reasons. One, he is a little too aggressive with his opinions. I hate profs that won't give any opinion. But I do not like ones that say out of the zone shit, such as equating people who promote price ceilings to terrorists (yes he did it...and I know some of you that love love him will attack me..but he said it).
The second reason, he lectures too stupidly sometimes. He beats you over the head with a concept over and over, when only one sentence needs to be said. Additionally, I like a little challenge to a course...this doesn't really give it at all (which of course is not all his fault). Simply put, I wish the course would move faster, but then I understand the rate of people getting 4.0s would go down, thus the rate of happy students would as well :/.
Anyway, he is a very nice man, has a good stage presence, and knows his material. No reason not to take him, especially those of you in need of a GPA boast or a not-so-demanding class. Goodluck
Professor rated by: Student on November 5, 2005
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
I didnt show up to many classes after the first exam and got a 4.0. I was really sick and couldn't come and Professor Ballard is REALLY understanding. He doesn't let you take alternative exams for stupid reasons, but when it comes to good ones he's really, really great about it. All the material is in the book and he pretty much presents it word by word except he uses different examples. All the questions on the practice tests are just like the ones on the actual exam, he honestly just takes old questions and changes a word or two to make it a different answer than on the practice exam but the same idea. If you're lazy, just do the reading and go to help room with your quesitons and you won't have to ever worry about class, though he really does make economics interesting and I'd rather listen than read so it'd probably be more fun to go to class. The grading is intense, but I'm a 3 point student and I managed a 4 being really ill, so either go to class and do the practice exams or read the book and do the practice exams :D
P.S. his jokes are really corney
P.P.S. no one ever goes to help room or his office hours and I would advise you go because he likes to talk and loves it when people ask him quesiton, if you go you learn above and beyond what the class teaches and it will help you a lot in any future class :D I think he honestly likes it when you ask questions, especially if they are tricky, because he's passionate about the material.
Professor rated by: Student on November 26, 2007
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Best teacher I've had at msu, and because of that the class is easy. Go to class, do your hw, study the past tests and you got yourself a 4.0. This is just about the only class I ever enjoyed going to.
Professor rated by: Student on January 10, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Ballard is an awesome teacher you have to take this class. The exams are directly out of the course pack so make sure that you purchase that.
Professor rated by: Packaging Student on April 27, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Pros: A+
Cons: None
Work Hard and you will do well, Ballard and Bokemeir are in my opinion the only good business precore professors at MSU!
Professor rated by: Supply Chain Management Student on August 1, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
He's a really good teacher and makes econ interesting!
Professor rated by: Agribusiness Management Student on May 8, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Best Professor I have ever had.
Professor rated by: Accounting Student on July 27, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Ballard is a pimp! He's such a good professor for a topic that could be god-awfully boring. He's a very loveable guy who says this occaisonally funny comment. He really cares about his students a lot and surely cares about his job a lot. I would reccomend this class to anyone who needs an econ credit. His tests are fair. If you study a little and learn the material, you'll get a 4.0. And I don't mean studying every night. I mean studying like 3 hours a week will undoubtedly nab you a 4.0. His book (which he wrote) is a pretty damn good book and his course pack is as sweet at sex. It comes with answers for the questions in the book and like 3 practice exams for each other the exams, including the final. These were actual old exams so it is a perfect study guide to the class. Plus, he includes all of the answers, along with explanations for why each answer was correct! You could probably get a 4.0 if you went to every class and studied the hell out of the practice exams. Also, we have some questions on the CAPA-like Aplia.com, which are fairly easy and straight-forward. They are basically free points if you and a fellow classmate goes over it together through AIM or something. Great tests, great grading, great book, great course pack, great class, great teacher.
Professor rated by: Student on December 11, 2004
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
If Econ isnt your thing (and even if it is) you should really take Prof. Ballard's class. Its a huge lecture class, but no prof. at MSU is more approachable than Ballard. If you have a question or anything hes more than willing to help you. Not that you'll need help.. Hes very good about relating the material to you and making sure its easy to understand. You dont have to buy the book for the course.. it would be a waste of $$ to be honest. He WROTE the book, so his lectures are basically the important parts of what you would be reading.. Make sure you do buy the course packet though. Its really helpful with studying for his tests. And nobody likes to hear this, but you should also go to class..its easier to understand if you go at at the very least LISTEN to what he says. Hes really energetic and funny sometimes..so its not boring..
He's a really good professor to have, especially if your only reason for taking the course is because you have to for your major. This class is an easy 3.0 if you put even a LITTLE effort into it.
Professor rated by: Student on March 23, 2007
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Ballard is awesome. His syllabus for this class is fifteen pages long, which I initially thought was excessive, but it's really just a reflection of how intensely organized he is. His classes aren't a pain to sit through, but in my opinion skipping them isn't going to hurt you if you can figure out how to study for this class. Ballard provides you with plenty of accessible material aside from what you'd hear in lecture; between the coursepack (of old exams, complete with an answer key with explanations), Aplia problem sets, and the "highlights of the 1st/2nd/last part of the course" documents posted under "Course Materials" on Aplia, this course was a breeze for me. This course is structured in such a way that my individual effort was minimized, but I still got a lot more out of it than I got out of, say, EC 202 with Martin (but that's more of a TA issue). Plus it was interesting. I have no complaints - this was an excellent class, and it's thanks to Dr. Ballard that it was.
Professor rated by: Student on December 16, 2009
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Ballard is awesome!! His class is pretty easy compared to the other business requirements- but its not a blowoff. He has 2 exams and a final. He weights your best exam to count more. Then there is online homework- Aplia- make sure you do this, they are easy points. The answers are usually posted here on allmsu...sooo def no excuse. He's such a funny guy, def one of the nicest and entertaining professors. All of his exams are very similar to the practice exams in the coursepack...so make sure you buy it. His book is written by him and is word for word his lecture. His lectures aren't too boring. THIS IS AN EASY CLASS- BUT YOU HAVE TO PUT IN THE EFFORT TO GET A 4.0....I'm telling u this cuz I'm borderline 2.5/3.0...and I'm realizing way too late that had I done simple things I would have been able to easily 4.0 this class. Don't blow it off, but with little studying a 4.0 is def possible. Make sure you ace the first exam also.
Professor rated by: Student on December 12, 2006
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
2
So he is a nice guys and wears crazy clothing...who the f*&k cares. I hate that economics on this campus basically means taking a class by Milton Friedman. Its insulting to everyone's intelligence to not show views from Keynesian economics since it was the economic policy of our country for over 40 years. He is extremely pro free trade and does not explain why tariffs were used in this country in the past...he simply states the negative side of tariffs and protectionism in general. The major problem with economics on this campus in general is that it is so one-sided towards a free-market and free-trade approach. Anyone that wants to learn why the hell the United States economy is in the slump it is in now and the policies that led up to it I suggest taking HST 213 (US Business and Economic History). Ballard is nice, but he is also a one-sided conservative economist. If you can take it with somebody else.
Professor rated by: Student on May 13, 2009
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
4
I took this class my first semester of my freshman year and felt confortable in the material and work load because I took econ in high school. But even if you hadn't taken it in hs the material shouldn't be too hard to understand, alot of it is common sense when it comes to the graphs. I highly recamend reading the book along with the pace of the class because if you read ahead by a day you will understand what he says in class a lot more and the info will sink in better. When it comes to the exams, I will admit it they can stump you because there can be multiple answers that sound right and then there will be options like "all of the above" or "both a and c", so you really need to know the material. And do not skip the problem sets because they can make the difference in the end. And go to the allmsu posts for the class because people will post their answers and that will help al lot.
Professor rated by: Student on August 5, 2007
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Pros: Cool Guy
Good Teacher
Funny and has some interesting stories
Cons: Can be slow at times
Professor Ballard is a really cool person. He was very good at explaining the subject in detail and a way that made sense. He was sometimes funny and told the occasional personal story. Tried very hard to help students out even when he was the only one trying. I went to his office hours once to interview him for a WRA110 paper, and he was amazingly accommodating. We ended up chatting for a hour about everything from economics to politics to history. In that time i found out how passionate he was and how he choose teaching over a much higher income career because he truly wants to help the student. It occurred to me while writing this that i sound like a girl in love with this guy. I am not lol. I am a guy who never sat close to the front row but still appreciated Professor Ballard's cool attitude.
Professor rated by: Business Student on December 12, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Amazing!!! You must must must have at least one professor throughout your college career as passionate and brilliant as Ballard! Any man that can make about 600 students laugh early in the morning is worth taking a class with. He has aplia assignments which are your quizzes pretty much about every week. I suggest reading the chapter in the book or going over your notes from class the day you take Aplia. I did that near the end and aced every single one. The midterms aren't bad, just study your notes and all then BE SURE to take the practice midterms from your course pack. At least 7 of the questions will be the same and since the midterm is only about 35 questions, that'll give you some major points. The final isn't bad either. I got a 3.5 in the class and I admit, I wasn't happy but it's not hard to get a 4.0
Again, TAKE THE CLASS!
Professor rated by: Student on December 16, 2007
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
I don't have enough good things to say about this man, but could still go on for days about how much I enjoyed this course because of Dr. Charley Ballard. He is the best professor I have ever had. Is very helpful when it comes to communicating and explaining the topics and concepts involved in EC 201. He is also one of the nicest guys and funniest professors that this university has to offer. He will screw around, tell jokes, do impressions, sing, and dance during class. The guy is a total clown, but is still very intelligent and commands the respect of all of his students. I actually looked forward to his class every MWF, and always got a few laughs out of his lectures. He also holds review sessions before each exam and is available and helpful during his office hours. I could not recommend him enough.
Professor rated by: Student on December 17, 2009
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Pros: He speaks in a way where it is easy to understand the content, very knowledgable in his field of study, he sells some of his past exams he has used before, so it is easy to get a good grade on his exams by doing some of the practice exams, and he can be "hilarious" at sometimes.
Cons: None?
I thought Professor Ballard was a great professor. He explains everything well, communicates perfectly, and it was always easy to go to his class. The content, at times, was confusing simply because it's economics, but with obvious studying it became second nature. Also, his lectures are basically taken from the textbooks, almost down to the exact words, so reading the book and going to the lectures are almost redundant, but the lectures are more descriptive and highly advised. Overall, it was a great course
Professor rated by: Accounting Student on December 2, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
2
um... well i hated him. in fact im pretty surprised how many people gave him good reviews... pretty damn surprised. not only did i hate his class but everyone i knew who took his class hated it too.
it was dumbed down way too much (as intro classes often are), but yet somehow at the same time it was made difficult enough to be a bit higher level (his tests suck).
his class was the first i ever took at state when i was a freshman, and he helped me decide not to major in business (since he's supposed to be the BEST econ professor and all...)
if you take him just make sure you either buy the book or go to class but not both, he writes his own book and uses identical graphs notes etc. in class. and study a LOT for the tests/
Professor rated by: Student on August 27, 2006
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
Never went to class after the first test and still did well enough (ave 31/34 on exams) that i only needed an 80 on the final to get a 4.0. Unfortunely i tried to read/learn 400+ pages of the textbook the night before the final becuase i knew absolutely nothing and 3.5 the class.
Ballard only receives a 3.5 and not a 4.0 because the class didnt really teach me anything. He wrote the book and goes by it 100% so either go to class or just read the book. The class was bascially just memmorizing past exams which causes u to relearn everything before the final. Oh, and study for the final a week in advance, because reading 400 pages out of that textbook is hell, i only got through 300 pages. Managed 54/70 on the final for a 3.5.
Professor rated by: Student on January 6, 2006
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
EC 201
Introduction to Microeconomics
5
There's almost no use writing this review. As everyone has said, he is a great professor. Entertaining, always talking about something relevant to class, and gives you plenty of ability to gain access to him be it office hours, time after class or the optional review sessions he holds prior to exams.
And the nice thing about this class is if you buy the textbook, you don't even have to go to class if you don't want to. But i would recommend going just because he is really entertaining. The coursepack is cheap. there's a bunch of practice exams in it that are basically exactly the questions that are on the test.
If you can have him as a prof, go out of your way to get him, he's one of the best in the university.
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