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Lectures and recitation sessions (discussions) are supplemented by assignments and readings. Readings provide in-depth discussion and illustration of lecture topics; however neither readings nor the website are intended to serve in place of attendance at lectures. Be smart, be there! Click on Calendar to find an example schedule for the semester.
NOTE:
Much of our outside-the-classroom communication now takes place through the University's ELMS system (elms.umd.edu) please check the ELMS course links regularly for the latest information or to contact Ronit or your TA.
Lectures
Unlike lectures in most other areas, those in architecture rely heavily upon visual images to illustrate the topics discussed. For this reason, your course notes should include diagrams or sketches of the images presented on the screen. Through our generous and unceasing efforts to make your job easier, now you can also view many (though not all) of these images on the Web at http://arch.umd.edu/Faculty/Eisenbach/Courses/ARCH170/ (User name and password required; will be revealed in class). But we haven't gone to all this trouble to keep you away from our exciting and stimulating lectures! Note: Material covered in lectures, the website, readings, and recitation sections will complement one another but may NOT always overlap. You are responsible for ALL material covered in any of these venues/media, guest lecturers included. (See paragraph above).
Notebook
You should keep your notes from lectures, recitations, and readings in an 8 1/2" x 11" notebook. Notes should be in the form of both words and images. You are not expected to possess any particular drawing skills, but the attempt you make to sketch what is presented on the screen actually facilitates your understanding and recall. In this manner you will painlessly learn to see and to record what you see; this will be very useful to you whether or not you choose a design career.
Recitation Sessions
Attendance to recitation sessions is mandatory. Recitations are conducted by a teaching assistant. You are expected to participate in reviewing and discussing (1) the material presented in lectures and gleaned from readings, and (2) the assignments.
Assignments
There are four assignments and an extra credit assignment that will require you to think, write, draw, analyze, design, and take a field trip to Baltimore or Washington. Assignments will be graded by your TA according to standardized criteria. In some cases, discussion sessions will be dedicated to developing and discussing your solutions.
Exams (You wanted to read this, didn't you?)
Exams are cumulative; that is, they include all topics discussed in lectures and covered in assignments up to the day of the exam. Exams consist of true/false, multiple choice, short-answer, and essay questions. All exam are closed-books.
There are three exams: two hour-long tests during the semester at the time of the regularly scheduled lecture (hourly exams), and one two-hour long test at the conclusion
of the semester (final exam). Consult the Calendar for exam dates for the section in which you are enrolled.
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Methods of Instruction
Notes & Images
