middCourses
with Matthew Schrader24 days ago

The course is project-based, students need to work with cardboard a lot. The workload depends on how much work you are willing to put into it. The grading is ambiguous, and there is only one midterm check-in during the whole semester. You can't really know how well you did in this course until the final grade is given. There are constant short essays, but each is not longer than a page. Although a prompt is given, the topic can be really flexible. The readings are also short.

The course is project-based, students need to work with cardboard a lot. The workload depends on how much work you are willing to put into it. The grading is ambiguous, and there is only one midterm check-in during the whole semester. You can't really know how well you did in this course until the final grade is given. There are cons …Read more

Project ExamsProject-Heavy
3hrs / week Average difficulty Above average value Would not take again
with Matthew Schrader11 months ago

There are a few writing assignments but they're all <1 page and not super analytical. The main assignments are to make 3d objects (mainly out of cardboard) with vague/open prompts. You can make this class what you want it to be - you can get and A by pretty easily with bare min effort, so if you need an art credit or an easy/chill fourth class, this is it. If you're genuinely interested in the material or the process of creation, it could definitely be fulfilling as well - readings are thought-provoking and you'll have ample time to discuss them in class, and projects can mean as much or as little to you as you want them to.

There are a few writing assignments but they're all <1 page and not super analytical. The main assignments are to make 3d objects (mainly out of cardboard) with vague/open prompts. You can make this class what you want it to be - you can get and A by pretty easily with bare min effort, so if you need an art credit or an easy/chill fo …Read more

Chill and RelaxedProject-HeavyNo Exams
2hrs / week Extremely low difficulty Average value Would take again
with Matthew Schraderlast month

This class feels a little aimless, but a solid art class to take overall, especially as an Architecture student who needed a studio course. I like how Schrader incorporates readings with projects, but there is sometimes some disconnect. The projects are very open-ended and he is really happy wherever you take it, as long as you show you have put some time and effort into the projects. Very nice professor, although things are slow sometimes.

This class feels a little aimless, but a solid art class to take overall, especially as an Architecture student who needed a studio course. I like how Schrader incorporates readings with projects, but there is sometimes some disconnect. The projects are very open-ended and he is really happy wherever you take it, as long as you show …Read more

Slow-PacedProject-HeavyEasy Grading
2hrs / week Low difficulty Very low value Would not take again
with Matthew Schraderlast month

Although the course had components that I enjoyed, overall, I struggled to sit through the long meeting times, especially considering the slow pace of the class. However, I did appreciate the professor allowing us to take projects in just about any direction we pleased.

Project-HeavySlow-PacedEasy Grading
1hrs / week Very low difficulty Average value Would not take again
with Matthew Schrader10 months ago

Spacing is a valuable course for those interested in black studies and conceptual architecture, but the course is time-heavy. I often found myself glancing at the clock more than I'd like to in any class. I also found the discussions to often feel forced and too long. I would not take this course again, but I know there are students who would find a lot of joy in it.

Chill and RelaxedProject-HeavyNo Exams
5hrs / week Average difficulty Low value Would not take again
with Matthew Schraderlast month

This course was a very chill class with little outside time required. The cardboard projects are open-ended, creative, and generally fun to make. There are a few readings and 1 page responses that can be tedious, and some of the classes are slow moving and long.

Chill and RelaxedEasy GradingNo Exams
2hrs / week Low difficulty Above average value Would take again
with Matthew Schrader2 years ago

Would highly recommend this course to students interested in black studies, architecture, urban planning, etc. There were 3 projects that focused on ideas of space/movement. There are readings for this class; however, the class is not reading-heavy and the material is interesting. Love the professor

Chill and RelaxedProject-HeavyNo Exams
2hrs / week Average difficulty Extremely high value Would take again
with Matthew Schraderlast year

I took this class because I am interested in architecture I wanted to learn about abolitionist architecture, but after the whole class I still couldn't tell you what that is. The class material is as wishy-washy and abstract as the description is. It combines two subjects that are seemingly unconnected and then forces speculative connections between them.

Chill and RelaxedProject-HeavyUngrading
3hrs / week Very low difficulty Very low value Would not take again