What is there to say? So much has already been said about her and her class, from the dry nature of the material (econometrics is more of a statistics class than an economics class) to her teaching style (very clear, organized lectures which make even the hardest concepts intelligible) to the usage of STATA (although she leaves STATA instruction to TA sections, it’s one of the easiest computer programs to use that I’ve seen) to the length of her tests (with the exception of the logistic distribution, the final managed to cover every single topic from the entire course) to her movie-star smile (though no one has mentioned that she looks exactly like Helena Bonham Carter).

That being said, she is an extremely effective teacher, as was shown by the median score of 89% (which was a B+) on this long, comprehensive final. More importantly, her honors seminar Econ 189 showed us that a strong undergraduate background suffices to understand and fully participate in departmental seminars. This is a striking contrast from other fields where even four or five years of graduate courses in the relevant subtopic are not enough to understand the basic definitions, much less discuss the results (and the entire discussion/questions are monopolized by one or two experts). I am NOT an economist, but with more courses like hers I might be tempted to change my mind!

One last thing: what’s with all these people claiming that she is ‘inexperienced’? As you can see from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/classes/profbylid.php?lid=1289&order=term, W09 is the SEVENTH TIME that she taught this econometrics course; how much more experience do you want? Maybe a professor who’s taught this course since the standard normal distribution was unique and special?

This class is damn hard. You need to understand the Econ 41 stuffs very well and also keep track with every single lecture of this class. STATA is what makes this class more complicated bcuz the teacher does not mention it much in lecture (so you really need your TAs).
However, the good thing is that Professor Black is very concerning. She does cares a lot about the students and always tries her best to help. She seems to be inexperienced but organized. The best thing about this class is the tests are very easy. You learn the old test (which are provided by the prof) and you will find 80% of your test very familiar.
NO NEED TO BUY THE BOOK.

I loved this class. Black made the material very accessable and she was an easy grader. Definitely worth the time.

Professor Black is hands down the best professor I have had at UCLA. There are so many rumors about econ 103 being extremely difficult, but Black teaches so well and presents the information so clearly that is completely possible to do great in the class. She gives excellent lectures as well as slides to follow along with. Going to class is vital as is doing the problem sets. The problem sets give a great indicator as to what is on the tests and they really help to explain the information. You definetely have to put time into this class, and if you do, it will be very rewarding. Her tests are extremely long, but that's good because then missing a couple of problems isn't a big deal. I loved the way Black taught her class and would tell anybody taking Econ 103 with her.

Econometrics is an awful subject but you can't take that out on Prof. Black. She is an excellent teacher and a very nice person. Her lectures are clear and well organized. She is very approachable in office hours and will try very, very hard to make you understand. She provides earlier exams that are very helpfull. If you don't have to take Econ 103 then don't (it really sucks), but if you do have to then I highly recommend Prof. Black.

after all the scary things i heard about econ 103 at ucla, i think black was the reason i found econometrics fairly straightforward. her final was very long (test had like at least 25 pages)but i finished and got an A- in her class. homework sets help a lot cuz it gives u a feel for the type of questions she asks tho doing the homework is time consuming. the key to success is ur ta. i had hui cao who realli helped me understand the material. i went to her office hours n usually finished my homework there. make friends n help each other. econ 103 with black is very doable tho so dont worry. just take her n put in a decent amount of time/effort and it will pay off. she is a very nice lady. always smiles and looks happy all the time.

Prof. Black is hands down the best econ professor I've had at UCLA. She is so nice and willing to help you understand the concepts. I found her office hours to be really helpful. She doesn't treat you as a nuisance for being there, and she goes through great examples that help you for the class. I absolutely hated stats before Econ 103, but now I'd probably take another stats class if it were taught by Prof Black. Bottom line, if you're willing to put the work in, you'll do well in this class. (I don't think she's very easy on slackers...so don't expect to get a good grade by being lazy)

The subject is not easy, but Prof Black really simplifies it. Don't be intimidated for the first week or 2 of lecture...it goes by pretty fast, but that's bc it's stats review and we're expected to already know it (taking econ 103 right after stats 11 would probably be helpful). beware, her tests are really long...but they are possible. she makes them EXTREMELY fair...no weird tricks or anything like that. Prof Black's tests show her concern for student learning bc she tests on only what's in the lec notes or hw sets (the hw sets are helpful also...so dont just rush thru them).

Prof Black is not only the nicest professor I've ever had, she's one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life. She is a great professor...take her if you can! - v

I hate econometrics but, since I had to take it, I am glad that I got to take it with Prof. Black. She answers all questions that she possibly can in class. Her lectures are organized and she doesn't just read off the slides. Her tests come directly out of the problem sets and practice tests that she gives you. If you HAVE to take this class I recommend that you wait until she is teaching it.

I have heard stories about bad experiences from students who have taken Econ 103 with someone other than Prof Black. She is a great teacher which takes the time to prepare outlines/overheads of the sections she wants you to know from the book; if you read before coming to lecture - you will be set, because there is plently of opportunity to get a million questions answered in class and her TAs are just something else! they are SO DEDICATED. Econ 103 taught by Prof Black will give you a favorable experience of econometrics. There are computer projects, and she goes over any question you might have of them; if you study a good amount, you cannot go wrong - she does not look at all to trick you. Her final was long, but sometimes those are the best because the curve really pans out in your favor! Take her class, you can't go wrong.

true, she got upset about people leaving.. but that's because she's new. class itself it not tooo bad. lecture notes are unfortunately NOT posted before, so u end up writting more than listening. but it's doable. go to the discussion sessions and ask TAs. they and the professor usually go over important (and the more difficult) material more than just once. TA's are ur best friends if you have questions. find one that you understand and feel comfortable with (if ur schedule allows) study notes .. memorize them from the beginning!! dont clask like me and have to memorize the whole thing at the end. do home work repeatedly. KNOW them. know the True False (which are VERY tricky sometimes) final: LOOONG.. but actually not that hard! :) good luck