M. Shahid Alam is an Economics professor at Northeastern University rated 3.4/5 by 64 students, with 2.9/5 difficulty and 50.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
M. Shahid Alam professor reviews and ratings: 3.4/5 from 64 student reviews at Northeastern (50.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Took his development econ class this semester, and it was a pretty straightforward A. Gives 10 questions before the test from which he picks 2-3. His lectures are pretty interesting and I recommend taking notes as he expects lecture material in test answers.DEVELOPMNTECON 2022-12-22 05:03:03 +0000 UTC
He's an incredibly inspirational professor, and likely has many negative ratings because he speaks against the status quo. If everyone was taught by prof alam, the world would be a better place.ECON3406 2021-03-12 20:25:53 +0000 UTC
An amazing person and a great class. He is really caring and always helps his students. The class is reading-heavy. As long as you read your part, you should be fine. He took us out for coffee the last class!!ECON1292 2020-05-13 16:05:15 +0000 UTC
It's boring, and he just goes on tangents. He'll try to make it inclusive, but that means he's going to ask one question, which is most likely lead to another tangent. He isn't racist, but he has views that are a bit out there, so if you get triggered easily be careful. There's a lot of reading. Best Advice: just go to class it's easy pointsECON3290 2019-12-04 21:16:08 +0000 UTC
Prof. Alam's class teaches economics from a non- Westernized viewpoint, which may be shocking to students who grew up believing that the U.S. was "the best", or that any person or nation who "works hard" can succeed under a capitalist system. This class taught me so much, and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking to broaden their views.ECON1290 2018-11-24 01:34:59 +0000 UTC
This class is an easy A if you're willing to comply with the views of professor Alam. While he does make some good points, most of his views are a stretch, and he fabricates a lot of his "facts". He spends a lot of time talking about things unrelated to the course such as 9/11 conspiracy theories, Israel's false claim to land, religion, et ceteraECN1292 2017-04-14 22:07:10 +0000 UTC
I took his class last semester and enjoyed it so much I decided to take another course with him. His lectures are very penetrating and always very interesting. He has helped me expand my knowledge about true nature of the capitalist system. He is an extremely knowledgeable professor. One of the best at Northeastern! Take him if you have a chance!ECON3405 2011-11-16 11:26:50 +0000 UTC
I have received As from Alam, but find his class miserable. He is knowledgeable in the ME region, tends to make generalizations about other regions to try and prove his point. Students who say that hes enlightening are probably the ones that believe whatever they are told. Boring 50% of the time, a little condescending, but easy if you attend classECON292 2010-11-21 23:14:17 +0000 UTC
Economics of Middle East, he is a very interesting professor. He brings lively debates to class with his controversial views. Most exams are essay based, lots of reading to do. Hard class if you can't keep up with the reading. He brings up interesting topics in class so everyone is listening, but not related to the actual course work.ECONMIDD 2010-04-29 05:47:43 +0000 UTC
An amazing professor. You have to go in with an open mind. You can disagree with him, but, you must have a convincing case. He is an extremely patient and reasonable man. Anyone that says otherwise is simply wrong. I would go as far as to call the people who regard him negatively idiots. He is an extremely good teacher.ECN3405 2010-04-14 19:39:49 +0000 UTC
had him for econ of middle east class. suffers from extreme aphasia at times, and at others he goes off on these tangents that he does not explain. Opened my eyes on the culture of the Middle East. DO NOT think this class is actual economics. It's more history/agriculture than anything else. Fair grader, I did well. Just speak up in classECN292 2008-12-25 16:21:22 +0000 UTC
Mediocre teacher, great person. very fun to debate with. If you dont question his sometimes rediculous statements he can get very off track.ECN209 2008-12-18 13:23:12 +0000 UTC
Get him to learn your name. Talk in class and be at least moderately insightful and he will love you. Attendance is not mandatory, and he doesn't really care if you show up. study a reasonable amount for tests and you'll be fine. He's a really smart guy teaching a pretty boring subject. Do your best to pay attention to him and you'll do wellECNU115 2008-11-14 14:57:19 +0000 UTC
I took him for a global economy course and learned nothing about the global economy. His ideas are very controversial, which should be fine, but the thing about him is that he is just immature when it comes to handling people who question his views. I can't think of any good reason to take him. I mean, the guy believes in Sep 11 conspiracy theoriesECN241 2008-05-01 08:24:28 +0000 UTC
Alam wasn't a terrible guy, but he focuses so much on whats wrong in the world instead of helping to come up with answers. He's fairly extreme as far as anti-capitalism goes, which isn't bad, but it can be annoying when you want to learn new stuff. Some of his ideas opened my mind up.ECON291 2008-01-10 14:37:04 +0000 UTC
M. Shahid Alam has an average rating of 3.4/5 from 64 student reviews. 50.0% of students said they would take them again.
M. Shahid Alam's classes have a difficulty rating of 2.9/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.