Economics 1011a, "Microeconomic Theory"

Economics 1011a engenders extreme feelings; it is either loved or hated. 1011a-ophiles are math-savvy students who understand complex formulas by intuition, can partially-differentiate anything, and love a good challenge. But if your multivariable calculus isn’t up to snuff (don’t worry about integrals–its all partial derivatives), if you don’t like looking at the world through equations, or if you aren’t ready to face impossibly difficult exams (even if they are curved to give most students a B+ or A-), stay away from 1011a.

Your guide through advanced microeconomics is Professor Edward Glaeser, who breezes through difficult and complex equations in a dapper three piece suit without breaking a sweat. He calls on–or barks at—students to create models to solve real-world problems. If you can keep up with his break-neck pace, he will change the way you see the world.

A few tips: Don’t buy the rarely-used book; problem sets are challenging and take three to six hours a week, but you are only graded on whether you gave them a good go; and be sure to take advantage of Glaeser’s student lunches.