Let me preface this by saying Elzinga is a really nice and interesting guy in a smaller setting. However, in 201 with such a large lecture it is hard to see that, so the class is pretty boring. The class isn't that hard if you read the textbook and attend discussion (many are optional unless there is a quiz so people skip) which are the main important tools for learning the concepts. I didn't get much out of the actual lecture itself and it was hard to pay attention. Overall I got an A and would recommend because econ as a subject is incredibly interesting

I won't say it is an easy A class. This class seems really easy at the beginning, but the final is tricky. I went through the study guide and practice questions but still found that there were questions from the final that had not been covered in the discussions or the lectures. And don't rely on the dutch knockout. A lot of people thought they could use the dutch knockout, but the final was more difficult than they imagined so it turned out they still had to use the 400 scale. Got an A-. Definitely a GPA killer for me. Don't really recommend this class unless you have to take it. Prof. Elzinga is a really nice person though.

Absolutely lives up to the hype- this class is why I'm majoring in econ. Elzinga is a wonderful teacher who takes the Jessica Steinfeld approach and feeds you economic theory through stories and current events, making the course much more engaging. I will say that understanding the content is really up to you and your TA, as you might not get a thorough answer to your question through lecture, but if you read the textbook you should be fine. Only have to attend lecture until you get 15 clickers right, but I would say just go to them. They're pretty enjoyable and his tests are 90% from lecture. Grading scale at the end of the course was generous

Favorite course of the semester. Elzinga's great, and the class is not hard if you can interpret simple graphs. Engineers, take for an interesting, easy A.

Here's the deal:
This is a hard class. Economics is not always intuitive, but Elzinga is a captivating lecturer and he definitely knows how to teach this class. Your TA will make a difference. You have to read the book for the exams and go to lecture, the Econ Minutes are on the exam. The Dutch Knockout is possible, but definitely don't rely on it. I ended up getting the same letter grade regardless of if I used solely my exam or all of my points combined. All in all, it's a great class. You definitely have to work hard, but if you do you'll be satisfied with your grade.

The professor is great! Make sure you actually do the reading though. The course will be fairly easy as long as you do the reading and pay attention during lectures.

Professor Elzinga is the best! He's so helpful and really cares about his students. You need to spend time reading the textbook and studying to do well, but it's enjoyable.

HERE IS THE REAL DEAL ABOUT ELZINGA'S CLASS. He is a nice guy and makes Economics sound really interesting. It's not a super difficult class, but then again I took AP Econ in high school so I can't imagine having to teach it to yourself for the first time. ELZINGA IS GREAT AT MAKING YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH ECON. But I do think he is a bit overrated. People come into the class expecting so much because make Elzinga sound so legendary, but you'll probably be let down. He is a little bit ridiculously picky on exams and is a good lecturer, but not the most amazing teacher. Honestly you are not missing too much if you want to take the class with an easier professor. He is cool and all, but it just isn't worth it if you want an easier A.

I honestly think Elzinga is overrated. He is very well respected but this is by no means a course that everyone must take before graduating. That being said, if you are pre-comm or batten take it with him! He does know what he is talking about and he is genuinely a kind man. Also, his novel Fatal Equilibrium is pretty interesting, and is assigned as a reading later in the semester. The tests are short answer, just be sure to read the textbook. Attend lecture for clicker questions, and start studying early for the first exam. If you take comm and econ during the same semester, be aware that the tests might line up (that screwed me over for the first test for both classes)

Test grading has little bearing on how well you know the material and has more to do with your TA.