Sheila crane isn’t the most organized lady but she is really kind and is relatively passionate about this class. The course itself isn’t too difficult, it consists of 2 exams (midterm and final) a project, and participation / homework. It really depends on your TA at the end of the day (shoutout Jieun who is the best TA sorry to dox you), but if you participate in sections and talk to your ta for advice and guidance you are bound to do good in the class. Most of the exam content is reviewed in section actually and th essay is pretty much open ended with the prompt being relatively broad. I spammed the notes into a word document (although electronic devices aren’t allowed but I was in the back), and later on would just control F all the terms that would be in the exam and study them days prior. It’s better to study the concepts rather than every specific detail, although that could help too. I didn’t go to office hours much but I did go to the exam reviews which were meh. Once again it depends on luck if your ta is goated as well as how fast you can write and memorize because that’s how the exams are. Overall pretty easy class.

If you are not in the A school I do not recommend taking this class. It is a lot of reading and work on a niche topic and there are far easier Art history classes that cover more interesting fields. However if you do take this class, Professor Crane is a very expressive and fun lecturer, who really tries to keep you engaged with the various architectural projects through the semester. This class is much better than 1010 and it actually focuses on architectural ideas rather than specific dates and architects. The readings are very important and just as in 1010 the TAs do most of the grading, so choose the better one if there is one. However sticking with the same one can be helpful as you learn their expectations and build a stronger connection as long as you did decently before. The exams are very fast paced, but as long as you did the readings and participated in section, you will do well.

This class has some really interesting moments and some really boring ones too. The concepts are interesting, but often repeated to the point of boredom. I appreciate that Professor Crane makes this course less about memorization but more about understanding broader course themes. You will not have to memorize architects, dates, locations, etc. as you do in History of Architecture I, but you will be tasked with understanding the sociopolitical climate behind each building or site. Regarding the readings, do them. Yes, some of them are long and most of them are boring, but they provide great context for what is being discussed in lecture and give you more material to work with when writing essays on the exams. Speaking of exams, they are not too bad. They are entirely essay based, so it really depends on how your TA grades, but I think they are all pretty reasonable and understand it is hard to put together a polished essay in such a short amount of time. Overall, it is realistic to get an A in the class and I recommend the course if you're interested in architecture!

If you do the readings, you will do great in this class. Super interesting 10/10 recommend. The lectures pertain to modern architecture which makes it so much more interesting than the 1010 class. I loved it.

Honestly, this class was amazing - Sheila was one of the most passionate professors you will ever hear, and she will truly make you fall in love with the material. In fact, this class has made me interested in pursuing an minor in architectural history. I will say that this class is pretty much centered around memorization of buildings and architectural styles in history - hence, I would only take this if you really are interested in the material, rather than just taking it to fill a requirement.

As for difficulty of the class, I say it is not necessarily an easy A and takes dedication. I got an A in the class by attending every lecture (many people don't do this and suffer for it), doing every reading (at least skimming them for obtaining an understanding), and taking good notes in lecture. I am not in the A-school, and I have heard that this class is slightly easier for A-school. For non-A-school students like me, I recommend really putting an effort into this class for an A. Make sure you try hard on your essay and especially your project in this class. As long as you put in good effort into these assignments, having 50% of your overall grade as an A shouldn't be too difficult.

Overall, this class is wonderful and will truly make you want to travel and appreciate architectural practice. TAs of this class are fabulous, and they are the most passionate individuals I have ever had as mentors in a class. TAKE THIS CLASS

SHEILA IS THE BOMB! Don't take this class unless she is teaching it. Make sure you get a sketch book, because she will encourage you to draw the buildings she discusses and it helps A LOT in terms of studying and remembering what the buildings look like. Exams are pretty chill, just be sure to study. There is one research paper, but you can do it on whatever so its pretty fun. Awesome class, I felt like I really learned a lot. I repeat, Shelia is the best - when I was in the class we had a snow day the day before our research papers were due and she sent us an email and was like go out and enjoy the snow today and you all have an extension on the research paper! I really miss this class, highly recommend it.

While Professor Crane isn't necessarily the most confident or clear lecturer, I found her to be very informative, helpful, and interesting. I took this course while in the college and considering a transfer to the A School for Urban and Environmental Planning, and the class really helped cement my decision that I did want to transfer. It isn't a class that you should take for an easy A, but if you attend lecture and put in effort on the projects and exams it isn't difficult to get one. Would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in architecture.

Sheila crane is the most passionate professor ever, engages with the class, and makes a big effort to see that her students understand the material. Awesome class!

Not a bad class by any means - Sheila is nice enough and it's not exceptionally hard (for an architectural history class), but I wouldn't recommend it if you don't have to take it or if you're not especially interested in architectural history.

Easy class if you're good at memorizing. Midterm there were around 60 terms to memorize and for the final, 80 terms. Of course, you're only tested a 15 or so. Essay prompts are giving to you a week in advance. Crane is great lecturer. Very enthusiastic, and really drives home the main themes of why the buildings are significant. I didn't fall asleep once!