I didn't think he was the ogre that everyone made him out to be on previous reviews. I think the problem is that people did not read the assignments and after the first midterm, it's pretty obvious he tests from the reading and parts of lecture. Plus, I thought his cynicism was funny, but it's definately not for everyone. I would go to class on the first day and decide if he's for you. Oh, and he does talk really fast, but it's from the book so don't worry if you don't get down everything he writes, but the charts are important.

do not take swanson. he talks way to fast in lecture and does not explain anything. it is very hard to follow along and becomes extremely boring. you are expected to read everything and then know eveything in the book and from lecture for every test. he wont give a review sheet or even a hint at what might be on the test. he tries to make jokes that arent funny and just confuses you even more, its a good thing there is a curve

I can say this is one of the worst professors at UCLA...even for the Econ department, he does a lot of talking not too much explaining and he doesn't even test you on what he lectures on. He tells you to read the book but that isn't even on his midterm. If you want a boost in your GPA or even to learn anything at all don't take Swanson...take anyone else! STAY AWAY