Q. I'm in a different time zone. How will I participate in the course?

The academic leads will make every attempt to structure the course in such a way that students will be able to participate in synchronous instruction regardless of their location.

 

Q. What is the meeting schedule/time commitment?

 Assume that, in addition to classs time each day, you are putting in another 20-25 hours of work each week on projects, readings and assignments. 

 

Q. How is the course content structured?

We will be meeting on a daily basis, beginning with a group meeting in the morning to discuss the day's schedule & teaching, followed by direct instruction/lectures/discussions from the teaching team. In the afternoons we will be doing group, individual and project work, along with participating in special events/tours/media workshops.  Over the length of the course, students will be working collaboratively on a shared client-based project.

 

Q. What types of software will I be using?

You can expect to use Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchup, Zoom, Miro. All required software will be provided by the program. You will need reliable internet access to participate.

 

Q. What type of computer will I need?

Participants can access all required software installed on the machines in the Wurster Hall computer lab via remote desktop connection. A reliable internet connection is more important than the type or computing power of the device used.

 

Q. What materials/equipment are required?

You will need a roll of white tracing paper, a notebook, pens, your computer/laptop (with camera and microphone), and a camera/smartphone. Toward the end of the course, we may be plotting the work to produce a presentation archive. 

 

Q. How will I interact with the instructors and my classmates?

Course interaction will be via Zoom and Miro. You may also use email for communication as well when real-time communication is not required. Students may opt to use other communication apps and software for communicating amongst yourselves.

 

Q. How will group work be conducted?

We will be working collectively as a full course and in breakout / group project rooms. When we are working as a group, we will expect each student to be participating.

 

Q.How will studio work be conducted?

We will interact through Zoom and Miro. Students will present work via Miro.  The teaching team will work both individually with students and collectively in group settings. 

 

Q. How will my work be graded/evaluated? How will mid and final reviews be conducted remotely?

The criteria for grading will be included on the syllabus. We will use grading rubrics on all graded material and make grading as transparent as possible. Students can take the course pass/no pass or for a letter grade. Reviews will be conducted over Miro and Zoom with guest critics participating.

 

Q. How will I participate in field trips, site visits and other group activities remotely?

Via zoom and shared videos.

 

Q. How will projects with clients be facilitated remotely? 

We will be producing a detailed project brief with the client, list of deliverables, and the client will be joining us for Zoom-based reviews.  Expect the client to participate in a kick-off presentation toward the start of the course. 

 

Q. Is financial aid available?

Some partial need-based stipends are available to accepted students. Please contact summer-institutes@berkeley.edu to request a stipend.