After a year-long absence brought on by disagreements about the balance between teaching and research, popular economics professor David Johnson has returned to the University as an instructor for this academic year.
"He is extremely popular," said Professor Marjorie McElroy, chair of the economics department. "We hope to see him continue to do the kind of teaching he did that was exciting for students and got them interested in economics."
Johnson began teaching at the University in the fall of 1996. After disagreements with the department over his balance between instruction and research, Johnson left Duke in fall 1998 and took another teaching position at Cary Academy, a local high school.
"On the last day of Econ 52 class when he announced he was leaving to teach at Cary Academy, some people were very sad and depressed to hear he was going...," said Trinity junior Ankur Vyas, a former student who is a teaching assistant in Johnson's Economics 51 class this semester. "He's probably the best professor I've had at Duke, in terms of his knowledge, presentation, personality and sense of humor." Johnson, who said he has a strong interest in instruction, said he found the high school environment full of possibilities. "I find it easier to find colleagues interested in talking about teaching in secondary school," he explained.
Johnson also criticized major research institutions for tailoring too many undergraduate classes to students interested in eventually earning a Ph.D. in the subject.
He noted that only about 10 percent of the undergraduates that come through the economics program will end up pursuing a doctorate. "Why aren't we tailoring to the other 90 percent?" Johnson asked.
Johnson said his relationship with the economics department is good and that he thinks many aspects of the University's commitment to teaching have improved.
"The economics department seems to be taking a greater interest in providing a better experience for the students," said Johnson. "[Although] it is yet to be determined, Curriculum 2000 and a strong commitment from the University gives this notion."
Johnson, who said he is excited to be returning, added that he plans to make his course deal with issues students will confront as they enter the real world. Johnson also stressed the importance of advising and suggested that the roster of economics advisers include people who have actually been on Wall Street, not just professors.
"I believe a good part of my popularity comes from students knowing what kind of product they will get when they enter the class," said Johnson. "[I hope] they will come out as better-informed citizens about the world." He added, "Duke students are hungry for good teaching."
Johnson is teaching the introductory course in macroeconomics this semester.
Jaime Levy contributed to this story.
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