I am currently taking Econ 1. The impression I get from Bresnock is the same as the person who wrote about her superiority complex. She is very rude and I have never seen her in a good mood. When asked with a question she just yells, "I JUST EXPLAINED THAT" or "WERE YOU NOT LISTENING?" and moves on instead of helping. The class isn't too difficult if you understand the review problems, but don't look to Bresnock for help. The ONE good thing about Bresnock is that she is very clear about her expectations and about what is on the exam. She does not do trick questions, so once again just look at the reviews and homework and you will do fine.

The impression I get of Bresnock after having taken her class is that this woman possesses an unbridled superiority complex. Her general attitude seems to be "I'm destined for better achievements than having to deal with underclassmen and teaching them introductory economics." Now maybe I'm incorrect in generalizing her in such a manner, but this generalization would certainly explain why Bresnock is so insufferably rash in person. If you have questions concerning practice problems, exams, something covered in class, and so forth, don't bother seeing her about it because she won't bother explaining it to you. She'd much sooner dismiss your questions than bother trying to help you make sense of it. When I went to see her during office hours concerning some questions I got wrong on the midterm, I was hoping she could help explain why I got those specific questions incorrect and how to approach them the correct way. Yelling "You're wrong and I'm right and that's that, onto the next question" in your face doesn't exactly constitute helpful and constructive feedback. Don't bother going to her office hours because you're questions will likely be met with the same rudeness and arrogance. It's as if she views genuine questions a student might have as some sort of affront to her academic authority, and the only way she knows to fend off the attack is with her patented "Bresnock Defense." You'd be much better off seeing your TA's regarding questions about the material. I can assure you they'll be much less belligerent in they're responses. The course itself wasn't too terribly difficult. I got by solidly just by reading the book through once and attending discussion. Just don't expect to have an enjoyable time in class because Bresnock does not make it an enjoyable learning experience. It kind of sucks if you have to take this class as a pre-requisite for you're major, because Bresnock is, I think, the only professor who teaches this course. If you can't take this over the summer at a community college or something, and must take it with Bresnock, then the best advice I have to offer is learn to cope with a person who won't extend the same courtesy to her students.

Great professor who cares about her students. Gives you enough study material you would EVER want. Really helps.

Bresnock is a bit obnoxious for a professor who identifies her primary university as CalPoly Pomona. I'm a bit surprised they couldn't find anyone more qualified. Still, I've got to give it to her that she handles things well. There are a bunch of examples and practice problems on the website. She takes the time to give us a final review session and midterm review session. Her personality isn't the greatest and she can speak in a sharp tone but we're not rating her on that. Overall, she's concerned for the students and she means well. Her class was well taught and she hits on the pegs.

I think people are pretty harsh on Bresnock. She might not be made of sugar and spice, but she shows up every morning animated and eager to teach. She is happy to let you copy lecture notes during OH if you miss any lectures. She explains everything in a very straightforward manner and she tells you exactly what you need to do for a good grade. It sucks to be at 8 am, but that's just econ for you. Overall, I liked Bresnock and found her to be a very good teacher.

Bresnock is a solid lecturer: she will tell you everything you need for an A for the class. Staying awake and paying attention is up to you, given that this class starts 8am and every lecture consists of filling in the blanks note-taking.

The grading consists of two tests (midterm and final) and two computer "projects" (which are rudimentary computer simulations.) I found the final to be a bit more challenging than the midterm, mainly because the midterm covers exactly what is on the Econ 2 midterm. The final is a not a cumulative exam.

Bresnock is not the nicest prof you'll meet, so if you need help, seek out your TA. But she's boatloads more helpful than Hou.

Really easy. 2 computer projects and midterm and final. Tests are really straightforward. A bit of last minute brushing-up and its an A served on a silver platter.

I have to admit that Bresnock is a pretty good lecturer and she does got the information across. However she has no respect for her students whatsoever and does not make it a secret that she does not really enjoy teaching. She's a full time professor at Cal Poly and the only reason that I would think she works here is that they don't pay her enough, which probably makes her bitter. She is extremely unhelpful during office hours and tends to snap back at you and can be really rude to her students. I was really angry that we did not get to to evals for her this quarter since I would have a lot to say about her. Just a little advice, never go to her for help, just ask the t.a.'s. I think she's the only one that teaches this course which is a shame. I'm just glad that I never have to see her face or hear her talk about the stupid protein drink after this.

I would only recommend taking this class if it is for your major. While it is a comprehensive class and Bresnock does a fair job at communicating the information clearly, it is rather difficult to do well. And yes, as stated in some of the prior comments, she is immensely impersonal! She does not like to speak with students about ANYTHING, and that's including clarifying a concept or discussing an assignment. The class is predicated on a midterm, final and two computer modules which are supposed to be easy points. They are buffer points, but it may not matter if you don't do well on the tests. The tests are manageable, but you have to know your stuff COMPLETELY inside and out to do the test and actually finish within the time limit. She makes sure that you have to go to lecture by providing incomplete lecture notes online and having you fill them in class, and I highly recommend doing this b/c although you can copy someone else's notes, she gives tips in class as to what to do on the actual tests that really helps. And, despite what all the T.A.s and students say about the textbook, I highly recommend reading the book b/c it usually simplifies the topics that she discusses. Also, this class is even tougher because she does NOT curve the class and she does NOT give out extra credit anymore. So, in all, good class with lots of pertinent information and great overview, challenging, but be prepared for a mean professor who loves to go off on tangents, IRRELEVANT tangents.

1) The book is really good. Sadly, she doesn't emphasize the book as much as her lectures, so definitely take the advice here and go/pay attention to lectures. If there's anything that confuses you in lecture though, look it up in the book. The book explains things more clearly than she does in lecture.
2) Being a third year, I can definitely say that I have NEVER had a teacher who is less helpful to students outside of class. Short of using profanity, I can't express in words how difficult she is to talk to. The wording on her computer modules can be pretty poor. I went to office hours after completing the module to ask for clarification on some of the questions. She looks at me and says "Do you think I'm here to give you the answer? No...go home and think about it." Just some advice, don't expect anything from her office hours. Go to your TA instead of you need anything.
3) The tests are definitely fair. Study from all the material that she puts on her website. Do Additional Problems, Handouts, and Homeworks. The test uses those same types of questions so doing those for practice will get you familiar with what you need to know. For the multiple choice questions, you need to know concepts pretty well. Her questions can be tricky. I read the book, but if you don't, at least run through all the bold words to make sure you know how things work.

I don't think this class is taught by anyone else. She might not be the most approachable woman, but it's straightforward and interesting. Another piece of advice; don't talk to her about your performance in the class. While I was waiting to ask her my questions, many people were asking her about the class curve, grades, and such, and she makes it very obvious that she doesn't want to discuss those things with students. Don't take offense to it, I just think that's how she communicates with students.