USEM 1570

While this seems like this should be a fun, easy class, it is quite the opposite. For the fact that this is a USEM (a class that's supposed to be an easy 2-credit class and allows you to learn about something out of your course of study), this class was way too difficult. There are weekly readings that are often very difficult to understand for 1st year non-architecture students, and weekly short essay type responses due with the readings. She does not give you feedback or grades for the responses throughout the semester, so there's no way of knowing if you're doing them correctly or not. There's also two "learning portfolios" due, which are like longer essays based on your responses and other class materials. In class, there's often guest speakers/lecturers, or you go on visits to Monticello, the lawn, west main street, the museum, etc. So, she barely even teaches herself. She also grades harshly. The site visits are interesting, but the class is just way too much work and too hard for what's supposed to be a fun, easy class. I would not recommend this class -- for this much work, might as well take a normal 3 credit elective.