AHIS C3643

one 5 page paper on one of a variety of choices; an inclass midterm that was essays you could prepare for inadvance; the final was the same set up as the midterm but if you wanted you could do it as a take-home

This course was amazing! It is definitely one of my favorite so far. It covered many aspects of both the built environment in urban areas and the politics and minds behind its creation. At the beginning it is a little slow but it picks up quickly and improves greatly. Both the readings and the lectures were interesting. Professor Ballon was always an engaging and entertaining lecturer. Her slides to go with them were also good choices and added much to the lectures. The sections weren't torture but a venue to discuss the readings that were helpful and informative. Even though I didn't have to kill myself to do well in this class I know a lot more about cities and their structures now than before the class. Definitely take this class if you are looking for an interesting, not too difficult class.

moderate amount of reading, two short assignments, one 5 page essay, midterm (she gives three possible essay topics, two are on the exam), final (choice of take-home or same as midterm)

Overall, this was a great class. Professor Ballon is an interesting and thoughtful lecturer. The assignments and exams were not too hard, but its not a joke class either. there is reading, but you could probably get away without doing most of it until you see what you need to read for the final. i did the reading, though, it was interesting and not too much to do. like another reviewer said, don't be scared off by the first few classes, which are a little boring. the stuff gets really interesting. i find myself remembering little tidbits from class whenever im just walking around the city. i recommend.

Two on site assignments which some people hated and I liked. Mid term (given questions in advance of which 2 are chosen). One short paper of choice of topic and due date. Final. No big deal. A's are possiblitiy if you have decent TA and do the readings.

I don't understand some of the negative reviews of Prof. Ballon. Some people must really personalize stuff. She is not cold and scary and all that unless you have some other issues to deal with unrelated to her as a lecturer. Urban Form has been incredibly interesting and covers a lot of ground. Prof. Ballon chooses some amazing old photos for her lecutures, her grasp of the material is excellent, she is friendly and approachable. She answers email promptly and is nice about it. The course is really great. Who knew that plumbing and roads could be so fascinating. What's more, if Prof Ballon was a building, she would be the Chrysler Building.

1 easy paper, midterm and final (also easy). readings that don't need to be done

Prof Ballon gives you an appreication for the form of the American city in the same way ArtHum or Music Hum theoretically gives you an appreciation for those art forms. She shows you new ways to view your surroundings. The class touches on history, art, architecture, sociology, economics, etc. Interesting class to take just for the heck of it.

Paper, midterm and final, weekly sections.

Dear God, how did this woman win a teaching award? You learned most of the material in this course in your high school American History class, and the rest is pretty damn obvious. Roommate's presence precludes afternoon napping in your dorm room? Let Ballon's white noise lull you into a solid hour of somnolent bliss in the darkened lecture hall.