<p>I know that the beginning econ and math classes are notorious for being difficult and graded harshly. I was just wondering how doable doing Math 41L and Econ 55D along with two generally easier classes (Writing 20 and a seminar) would be for a first semester schedule. Should I split the two harder classes up? Thanks!</p>
<p>It will be tough but manageable. To give you a point of reference, I took 55D with Nechyba and Math 102 (the math you’ll take after 41L) during my sophomore fall and it was the hardest semester I’ve had at Duke thus far (and probably the hardest I will ever have). That being said, I made it out alive, so it is doable. You definitely want to take 55D this fall so you have Nechyba. He is a really great professor and you’ll learn the material so much better with him than any other professor.</p>
<p>Be careful of assuming that W20 and a seminar will give you a light workload–both will likely have a good deal of writing and reading involved.</p>
<p>100% doable.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses! Does “doable” mean getting A’s in both classes or just a passing grade? Are you can econ major, bluedevil13? Even with taking 55D and 102 during sophomore year, can you fulfill all the [major</a> requirements](<a href=“http://econ.duke.edu/uploads/assets/Undergraduate%20Requirements%20and%20Forms/Worksheet_BS%20Major_F06(1).pdf]major”>http://econ.duke.edu/uploads/assets/Undergraduate%20Requirements%20and%20Forms/Worksheet_BS%20Major_F06(1).pdf) ?</p>
<p>Also, do you know what kind of classes constitute an economics elective, and when people typically take them? Sorry for all the questions! I just want to make sure I can get the most out of my Duke education. Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>I personally didn’t get A’s in both (got two B+'s), but it is certainly doable. I’m not saying it’s a sure thing, but if you’re strong in both subjects and work hard you could definitely manage 2 A’s or A-'s. </p>
<p>Yes, I am an Econ major (rising junior). And yes, I will have no problem fulfilling my major requirements even taking 55/102 sophomore year. I did take 1 class this summer, but even still I only have 1 core class and 3 electives until I’m done with the major (or maybe 2 core classes if I want a finance concentration). However, I don’t really recommend that you put off 41/55. There’s no need for you to rush through the major but there’s no need for you to put your prereqs/core classes on hold either.</p>
<p>The majority of non-core Econ classes at the 100-level or above constitute an economics elective. So far, I’ve taken a behavioral economics lecture with Dan Ariely (you may have heard of him–he’s a bestselling author) and a philosophy, politics & economics class. Both were pretty easy but very engaging and interesting. The electives span everything from finance to urban economics to history classes, so you should be able to find something that you enjoy. </p>
<p>You can really take the electives any time you want, although you should note that many of them require the completion of at least some of the core classes. I would say the typical student starts taking electives during their sophomore or even junior year.</p>
<p>That was an incredibly helpful post. Thank you so much! I guess I’ll go with Econ 55D, Math 41L, Writing 20, and one other class that seems interesting. I’m so psyched to get on campus now :)</p>
<p>do you happen to know anything about the econ 55 teacher for the spring? his name is atila abdulkadiroglu, but i cant find any reviews for him. thanks</p>
<p>No problem duke15! I forgot to mention that Math 102 will be a pre-req for the next core Econ class you’ll take (Econ 105), so plan on taking a semester off from the core courses while you finish up your math req. I wouldn’t worry too much about that though–although 55 and 105 are both micro they are VERY different courses. 105 requires very little knowledge from 55, in my opinion.</p>
<p>jimmy202, the professors for the Spring have yet to be chosen as far as I know. A visiting professor from Spain taught it my freshman year, and it looks like Prof. Abdulkadiroglu taught it last Spring. There’s really no way of knowing who will be teaching it this coming Spring to be quite honest, as the professor has changed every year for the past 8 years.</p>