Econ 11 has a reputation as being an ordeal of a class, but Surro made the experience fairly pleasurable. Who knew that doing the "optional but highly recommended" quizzes and problem sets would help your grade? I recommend coming in with at least a basic knowledge of multivariable calculus, or at least a strong working proficiency with derivatives; understanding how the econ terms translate to actual math saves a lot of time. Exams were fair; the midterm was easier than the final by a wide margin, but both were doable. Don't do what I did and forget negative signs.

Surro was extremely active on Campuswire and in answering questions overall, meaning that if you didn't understand a concept it was kind of on you if you didn't take the initiative to clarify it. I participated a bit on Campuswire, but I generally found that I didn't need to ask questions and consequently didn't feel like wasting his time with filler. The problem sets were generally easy, even if some skewed a bit long. There was a lot of plug and chug components, which admittedly were good practice for the tests. I could see people struggling if they aren't used to doing that much math.

If Surro teaches this class in future years, I would greatly recommend it. It's entirely possible that another professor happens to be easier, but you'll get a fair experience where your effort is rewarded.

Chris is an all- around great professor. He knows how to make his lectures and explanations clear, and he is always available for help when you need it. I felt like Chris did a really good job in making himself available for students in that way. That being said, make sure to use that resource because his tests are quite difficult. Like the other reviews said, just knowing the notes won't get you a decent grade in this class. Don't just know how to do every problem he gives you to practice, but always try to figure out ways where he can change/reword the questions to ask you something different and test different concepts. He likes to do that often during the tests. Other than that, I can confidently say that I learned a lot in this class despite it being tough. I'd say it is worth it to take it with Chris.

This class is easily the best class offered in the econ department. The subject material is basically going through the history of capitalism, and going over topics like Marxism, Hayek and Keynes, Great Recession, etc. There are two data reports, two essays, and a final group project. The professor is really clear in his lectures and you definitely learn a lot. The grading on the papers is kind of harsh, but if you go to OH and ask questions about what to write about the prof will lead you in the right direction. Grading on the data report is not as harsh, you just have to make sure to cover everything mentioned in the instructions. If you have a chance to take this class, definitely do it.

Fascinating professor! Professor Surro explained things in an engaging and clear way, always being ready to help, and he is extremely accommodating as well. Would definitely take again.

Professor Surro is great. His slides are well-prepared, and he explains everything super clear via Campuswire. I would take this class again with him.

This class is great and Dr. Surro is an amazing professor. Quite frank, the best econ professor at UCLA currently. Without a doubt, I would recommend anyone to take a course with him.

If you want to take a core econ course (2,11,102) take it with Professor Surro. He's just the best professor in the department when it comes to teaching. Yes, his assignments and exams are a little tricky, but this guy cares about student learning and wants people to succeed. I've learned so much from Chris and thanks to him I think I've become a better student. Great lecturer and great guy to reach out to. He's just an absolute beast!

Really cool class. We learned about the history of capitalism. A lot of quizzes that were based on readings. Lecture quizzes as well, but those were easy. Data projects and essays made up a bulk of points but were pretty self explanatory. Final project was group so not bad at all.

theres a reason econ 11 is the weeder class for econ / bus econ majors. it's definitely a difficult class, not the worst thing in the world considering surro is very helpful. he provides his students with a good amount of resources for note-taking and test-taking. i would definitely suggest completing all of the problem sets and quizzes to the best of your ability, they're only graded on completion but definitely help to understand the material better. the tests are very, very difficult. there's a limited amount of time to complete the questions, which is the main reason they are so hard, so make sure you can be a fast test-taker for this course. there's another econ 11 professor who is "easier", i forget his name but if you're able to look into that, i would do so. but still, surro is a great man, this is just definitely a hard course.

Chris is the man, he makes it engaging and is probably the most clear professor I have ever had in econ. Practice set each week that takes an hour or two but other than that it's a midterm and a final. Midterm is hard but very fair and no surprises.