Western Kentucky University / P / Robert W. Pulsinelli
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
Multiple Choice: 2
Essays: 28
Problem Solving: 5
Mandatory Final: 22
Cumulative Final: 14
Textbook Required: 1
Extra Credit: 7
Attendance Required: 1
30 Total Evaluations
ECON-203 : Macro - Posted 12/10/2014
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Fuck you Bob Pulsinelli. Straight notes, no slack cut, piss poor instructor, no homework, doesnt give a damn about you. Don't take this old fashioned dick.
ECON-150 : - Posted 3/27/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Pulsinelli takes a tedious subject like economics and actually makes it interesting. He gives you a topic that you would normally go 'Well, duh' and makes you think about it in a different light, economically. He's interested in what he teaches. The textbook is optional, but you won't need it. He doesn't take attendence, but I suggest you make an attempt to show up each class since what you'll need on the exams will come straight up from class notes. Doesn't hurt that he also has a sense of humor.
ECON-150 : Honors Intro To Econ - Posted 12/17/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I absolutely loved this class, but I will admit, it was challenging. He does not require a textbook so the class is based entirely on notes. His tests are all essay where you are given 7 or so and you pick 5, and final grades consisted of 3 tests and a paper (which for my class was optional but I dont think that's normal).
BUT...
Despite all these things I learned so much. Class lectures and discussions were always interesting and Pulsinelli thrives on debate. One day we spent half the class arguing about whether or not drunk driving laws were necessary. He really makes you think about the world around you. Having said that, if you enjoy a class that is challenging but rewarding, take him. If you want an super simple intro class because you have to take it, this may not be the one for you.
I recommend him.
ECON-303 : Intermediate Macroeconomics - Posted 5/17/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Some students don't like Pulsinelli because of his opinions, but even though I didn't usually agree with him, he knows economics and I thought he was entertaining. He is a smart guy and has been around for a long time.
There is no textbook although he does recommend one that could give some background information on the topics he covers. He also gives references for journal articles along the way for the material he covers in case you want to read those. I would prefer sticking to a book so I can read ahead.
There were three tests including the comprehensive final. All were essays using a blue book. He usually gave four to six questions and had us answer three or four. I thought some test questions were much harder than others, but that could be based on my understanding, or lack of understanding, of the material. Pulsinelli was more lenient with grading than I expected. The biggest problem for me was the volume of material covered on each test. Some of the test questions were predictable while others were not, at least for me.
My recommendation is to go to every class and take lots of notes. Then look over your notes on a regular basis (at least weekly) so test prep isn't too difficult.
ECON-150 : Economics - Posted 5/13/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
there are three exams all essay format on avg you anwer 4 to 5 out of 8 essay questions. you need to be in class there is no textbook everything is dictation your notetaking is crucial. he is entertaining and a good professor .
ECON-303 : Macro Theory - Posted 12/19/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli is an outstanding professor. This class isn't for people who aren't interested in economics. He is extremely intelligent and is there to help whenever you need it. He took his time covering topics and made sure everybody in the class understood what we were covering. I would highly recommend taking him. His tests are all essay, but the questions are predictable, they are strictly from the notes. He is my favorite professor at WKU...sorry for the bias.
ECON-390 : Economics And Law - Posted 6/3/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli is the man! He is such a great teacher! You just have to make sure you go to class because he strictly teaches from the board, not by powerpoints. You will learn so much in this class and its really interesting! The only extra credit he offers is through random questions he asks students in class. I highly recommend Pulsinelli!
ECON-303 : Macro Theory - Posted 3/19/2009
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Pulsinelli is a very smart man. He was in attendance of some of Milton Friedman's lectures. While he is very smart and generally does a decent job of explaining things, heaven forbid you misunderstand. He often confuses questions with an attack on his intellect which is horrible for a teaching atmosphere. I took the course at 8am and it quickly became understood not to ask questions especially if they concern reviewing what he just said. An interest in Economics is necessary to put up with his ever constant belittling of students. Take this course only if you have too, if your looking for interesting conversation concerning economics take a class by Brian Strow or Borland. Tests aren't too bad if you understand libertarian economics. Another "perk" of this course is how much his own politics enter his lectures. I for one am not a liberal but many times he puts himself on the spot having to dance around words as he addresses minorities or our new black president, who as he put it was elected for race alone.
However he does teach solid conservative theory... but your better of clarifying questions with classmates or after class as he seems to get enjoyment of showing how superior he himself is.
ECON-303 : Macroeconomic Theory - Posted 3/2/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli is an excellent professor. Attendence is not mandatory, but I would highly recommend being there for every class because you cover a lot of material. Occasionally he will ask the class a very difficult question and offer two or three bonus points on the final to the student who can answer this. That's quite generous, considering you have three 100 point tests and no other grades.
ECON-150 : Intro To Econ - Posted 10/28/2008
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
He is a really crazy guy! He is really funny and has some pretty weird sayings. He does offer extra credit if you can answer some pretty off the wall/hard questions. He teaches what he wants and not by a book. Take good notes and you'll do fine. The class is long and sometimes dull but it's okay. Don't miss class because you'll be confused and he won't help you. Notes aren't that bad and you need to write down definitions word for word. The test are about 8 small essay questions. You only have to answer 5 or so and you get to pick. Really isn't that bad and he seems to be a little more easier in a sense than what other teaches come across as.
ECON-303 : Macroeconomic Theory - Posted 12/14/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was a very difficult class basically due to the volume of material covered in class. I write very small and was filling between 4 and 8 pages of notes per class. Pulsinelli does have a good sense of humor, but his tests are no joke. In order to get an A in this course be ready to devote a good 30 hours toward test preparation, in addition to reading and understanding your notes after each class period. DO NOT take this class unless it is required.
ECON-150 : - Posted 5/23/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mr. Pulsinelli really knows what he is talking about and the class was really interesting. If you take notes on the examples given in class then you'll have all the questions on the test. There are three tests and a paper. The three tests are essay and you choose questions to answer. He grades fairly and if you don't understand something he'll take the time to explain it to you. I loved this class and i learned a lot!!
ECON-150 : Intro To Economics - Posted 4/6/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
This professor was the best I've ever had. I have no interest in Economics. It was my worst grade in high school. He is so detailed, so interesting, and so enjoyable that I never had to even study my notes. Just writing them down and talking through problems in class got me through everything. I never needed a book: nothing.
IF YOU NEED TO TAKE THIS CLASS, TAKE PULSINELLI!!!
ECON-150 : Intro To Econ - Posted 12/7/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I don't like this class because it is boring and at 8 am you go back to sleep. His note are hard because he says a def one time and if you don't get oh well. That is a bad teacher.
ECON-390 : Law And Public Choice - Posted 5/5/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
You're going to have fun. Dr. Pulsinelli is hilarious. He's also interesting, and he is great at explaining things in a manner that is easy to understand.
This class centers around government and its impact on economics, with a major focus on externalities and property rights. It doesn't sound too interesting, but it's stuff that is actually very relevant.
There is no textbook. You'll take a lot of notes. A *lot. His lectures are fun. There is no attendance policy. Once in a blue moon, he might offer a point or two of extra credit. Two essay exams, plus a cumulative essay final. You also must write a 10 to 15 page paper.
The exams aren't easy, but they aren't too hard, either. They seem as if they'll be hard due to the volumes of notes that you take. Here's what worked for me -- I'd look over my notes, and then construct some essay questions from them. Then I'd use my notes to answer them in essay format (complete sentences, paragraphs, etc.). It made a BIG difference in my test scores. If essay exams give you a headache, give it a try.
This is one of those classes that you don't want to miss because you know you'll miss out on some valuable notes that you'll need for the test... and because Dr. Pulsinelli is a very entertaining professor.
ECON-150 : Intro To Economics - Posted 3/12/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I thought this class was really hard. I found it hard to take notes, because he is so fast and gives so much detail. The test are all essay. He gives you 5 or 6 essays. You have to answer at least 4. An essay is not a paragraph, it's more like 2 or 3 pages. He wants alot of detail. You really don't need to buy the book. He doesn't go by it at all. Thats what made it so hard for me. So, if you're a good note taker and love Economics, take him. If not, you might want to try someone else.
ECON-303 : Macroeconomic Theory - Posted 12/19/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Take this class!
Dr. Pulsinelli makes economics fun and interesting. If you've ever taken an econ class and wondered how any of it relates to the real world, he will tell you. Most every theory, model, and concept discussed in class has been attempted in the real world and you'll learn what the results were.
The notes are exhaustive and you'll draw about a million graphs. You won't need the book, as everything you'll need to know is covered in class. Attendance isn't mandatory but if you miss, you miss a lot. Exams are blue book essay. Seven questions, and you pick four. Hint: include graphs in your answers, he loves them.
Dr. Pulsinelli is a very entertaining person. He's got sort a funny sense of humor and can come off as though he's picking on students, but he's not. He is very animated and hearing his opinions about various political and ecnomic issues is worth the price of admission alone.
ECON-150 : Intro To Economics - Posted 1/12/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli is one of those professors you will never forget. The class is a great discussion class and he goes over all of the concepts you learn incessantly. There are two exams and a final which are all essay questions. If you listen and pay attention in class, you will have no trouble with the questions, just review your notes. I made a B b/c I didn't go to class enough and got behind, GO TO CLASS! If you have any interest in taking ECON take this class and if you need any Econ class, try to get Pulsinelli.
ECON-150 : - Posted 12/2/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli provided a refreshing alternative to the liberal ideology that dominates university thought. His charisma captivated my attention, and his complete understanding and clear explanation greatly increased my knowlege and interest of economics. I left the class feeling I had gained insight into human behavior, and questioned my previous assumptions about politics and economics. Not only did he prove to be an outstanding professor, but his sexiness shone through his teaching style.
ECON-150 : - Posted 5/7/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I learned more in this class than any other 100 level class. He kept the class very interesting, and I actually enjoyed attending.
ECON-150 : Honors Intro To Economics - Posted 4/14/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr Pulsinelli is one of the funniest profs I've had at WKU. He makes economics fun and uses common sense examples to help you understand economic principles. The course was very enjoyable. Exams are blue book essay and he gives E.C. on them (a few points) for answering tough questions in class. Very good prof!
ECON-303 : Macroeconomic Theory - Posted 1/30/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is required for Business Econ-majors, Econ-Majors, and Econ-Minors. Dr. Pulsinelli is a hard-core Econ teacher, so people need to take excellent notes, and they should read their notes often. The final grade comes from three essay tests, and the third test is semi-cumulative. There are few concepts from the earlier tests on the final. Dr. Pulsinelli seems unfriendly, but if you get to know him he is a wonderful person. Finally, I recommend this class, because it is informative and entertaining.
ECON-150 : Intro To Economics - Posted 1/14/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I felt this was a hard class, but I really liked Mr. Pulsinelli. The tests were long essay tests, but as long as you studied and MEMORIZED THE DEFINITIONS you were okay. Do not buy the book for this class because he doesn't go by it at all.
ECON-150 : Intro To Economics - Posted 1/13/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Extremely easy course and he has a great sense of humor.
ECON-150 : - Posted 11/6/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli is a very smart man. He is really funny and has crazy theories. This class was fun. The tests were petty hard if you didn't understand the theories.
ECON-150 : Intro Economics - Posted 1/23/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Thank you God that there are still a few red blooded Americans like this who arent afraid to tell it like it is. This man will educate you on how the world turns with economy. This class was nothing less than a revelation. I think all students should be required to take it.
ECON-100 : Intro to Economics - Posted 3/13/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This guy is a great example of a teacher. He inspires and interests his students. I truly enjoyed his class, teaching style, and lectures. He is an asset to WKU and professors everywhere! We are fortunate to have such motivating and interesting teacher. YOU WILL HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF ECONOMICS! RECOMMENDED if YOU want to learn. He doesn't hand out grades, but they are fairly given and obtainable.
ECON-100 : Intro to Economics - Posted 3/13/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This guy is a great example of a teacher. He inspires and interests his students. I truly enjoyed his class, teaching style, and lectures. He is an asset to WKU and professors everywhere! We are fortunate to have such motivating and interesting teacher. YOU WILL HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF ECONOMICS! RECOMMENDED if YOU want to learn. He doesn't hand out grades, but they fairly earned.
ECON-390 : Law and Public Choice - Posted 4/19/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli is awesome. This course is for majors and minors only, however. If your not one, don't bother with this course. It is very difficult. It was also my favorite ECON class!
ECON-150 : Honors Intro to Economics - Posted 4/13/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Pulsinelli is the reason that I'm an economics major. He's one of the most entertaining professors I've taken. He really knows his stuff and is good at teaching it. He doesn't care if you go to class or not, it's all on you. His tests are essay and really detailed (i.e. hard), but you get a lot for your effort. If you have the slightest interest in economics, take this course, you'll be hooked.