Current instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
While the class was very rigorous and time-consuming, I do think that the stress placed on us was appropriate for the Honors level. Alder is a great guy, and he will definitely help you out if you go to his study sessions/office hours. That being said, if you're not serious about economics you should probably just take Econ 302.Rate My Professors ↗
Lectures have little to do with exam material, but explain real-world connections well. Use textbook/homework to review for exams, questions are similar. Exam averages are very low. Very smart guy but you have to learn a lot of material by yourself. Can drop lowest midterm which is nice. Homework is very difficult but similar to exam question type.Rate My Professors ↗
This is definitely a hard class, and I usually find macro easy. The math was confusing, and he doesn't really go over the question-types in the HW - which has fill in the blanks, with a margin of error of 0.1% usually. Exams were also hard, and averages were very low (like 60% for all 3 midterms).Rate My Professors ↗
Don't take a class with this guy. Takes attendance in class but you learn absolutely nothing. Guy goes on random tangent and covers stuff that you will not have to know. Homework's are insanely difficult and exams have an average grades in the 60s. Teacher is very pretentious and not helpful. Get ready to learn everything on your own.Rate My Professors ↗
I had to review mid-semester because it's ridiculous how hard the professor makes this class. The content isn't too difficult, but Professor Alder assigns impossible homework (20% of your grade), and the 3 midterm averages are all Fs. The LOWEST midterm score I got in 301 was a 93%, and I can't score above a 75% in this class. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!Rate My Professors ↗
By far the hardest class/prof I've taken at UW, and it won't get worse than this. Very difficult homework, takes attendance at lecture and discussion, exam time management is BRUTAL (exam median is F). Don't take this class if you have a busy course schedule. He's a nice guy but brutal classRate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Intermediate macroeconomic theory covering national income determination and analysis of economic aggregates.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Simeon Alder is described as smart and clear, with engaging lectures. Some students find the class manageable if they skim readings, noting fair tests and a generous grading curve.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026ECON 475 provides a theoretical analysis of economic growth and development, modeling factors like saving, investment, institutions, and trade.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Simeon Alder organizes courses well and explains concepts clearly, with exams considered easy if prepared for. The content involves heavy math, which some students find challenging.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Fall 2025ECON 581 is an honors thesis course where students conduct independent research.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleECON 691 is a Senior Thesis course focused on faculty-guided original research.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
ECON 699 is a directed study allowing advanced undergraduates to arrange independent research or topic study with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Fall 2024 · limited sampleTeaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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