Duerk-Williamson, Donna  

You will learn something from this course; however, not getting along with her personally can affect your final grade. She is ambiguous about what it is that she wants or expects of you in terms of the process.

Donna, despite all the bad things I was told about her, is a great person and professor. I enjoyed her class very much and I enjoyed the enthusiasm she always had.

Donna was a very good professor. Despite all of the bad things you hear about her, she really isn't that bad. She gives you plenty of time to get your projects done. She does have some personality problems, and can be hard to get along with, but the advice she gives you is very helpful. And eventhough her critiques are usually very blunt, you usually get a lot of good advice out of them. It is extremely hard to get an "A" but with an average amount of effort you can almost guarentee yourself a "B"

If you are a person that likes to have every project specifically laid out for you, then take Durek. But if you like to take projects your own way and explore your abilities, take someone else. She will never tell you that she likes your work. She picks favorites. She wastes lab time to watch pointless slide shows. And you have no idea how you're doing in the class until the last day when she meets with you in her office and puts you on the spot and she wants you to tell how you think you've done. No matter what you say she will go one grade lower. Ex, if you say A- she will say B+, so tell her that you earned an A+ if you want an A. But I strongly do NOT recomend taking her.

I heard many bad things about Donna, and went into the class with a bad attitude. The first week, she gave a LONG series of dumb "intelligence tests," then held a mandatory potluck dinner. She let us bring beer. After working on some projects, I found that her comments were always helpful. When the class began to interact with her more, she warmed up, and now I really like her. She doesn't put as much pressure on ability (which is good because I can't draw) as on process. She give plenty of time to complete projects. Just do work, get stuff out there, and she'll let you do your own thing. Oh yes, she hates the word "kinda."

Professor Duerk starts the class with psychology testing on the first day. Many student claim that she is not a great teacher, but that isn't true. She is very easy to get along with. She is indeed humorous. Her teaching may be different than other design instructor, but that doesn't necessary mean she isn't good at all. Many design students assume that a professor that provides a load of work will help them learn a lot, but it just doesn't work that way all the time. During Donna's class, I learn the importance of "QUALITY of work is far greater than QUANTITY." I personally would recommend this class. It provides you an ability to think thoroughly on your concepts and ideas rather than just rushing a project and trying to meet the deadline. Also, her grading is hard, but very understanding. You'll realize that in design, it is not only about effort, but CREATIVITY plays an important role in receiving an A in the course. Keeping a sketchbook is recommended because Donna will be meeting you 2 times the quarter and review the sketchbook with you. She also assign readings that are very helpful. Most likely you will read the materials because she expects you to turn in a reflection paper. The reflection paper is based on what you learn and how you would apply it in architecture and what is important to you personally and why. Take this class if you want to learn the value of "QUALITY."

Professor Duerk starts the class with psychology testing on the first day. Many student claim that she is not a great instructor, but that isn't true. She is very easy to get along with. She is indeed humorous. Her teaching may be different than other design instructor, but that doesn't necessary mean she isn't good at all. Many design students assume that a professor that provides a load of work will help them learn a lot, but it just doesn't work that way all the time. During Donna's class, I learn the importance of "QUALITY of work is far greater than QUANTITY." I personally would recommend this class. It provides you an ability to think thoroughly on your concepts and ideas rather than just rushing a project and trying to meet the deadline. Also, her grading is hard, but very understanding. You'll realize that in design, it is not only about effort, but CREATIVITY plays an important role in receiving an A in the course. Keeping a sketchbook is recommended because Donna will be meeting you 2 times the quarter and review the sketchbook with you. She also assign readings that are very helpful. Most likely you will read the materials because she expects you to turn in a reflection paper. The reflection paper is based on what you learn and how you would apply it in architecture and what is important to you personally and why. Take this class if you want to learn the value of "QUALITY."

This is the first C I have recieved in my entire life. I hope that says something to all of you out there watching their GPA. Do not take him--this class was a nightmare!