FAQ
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The Pantheon, Rome
What will we be studying?
The primary focus of the course is studying architectural facade design. We study amazing buildings from antiquity to the present. We spend the majority of our time visiting buildings in person and drawing them. We also meet with experts in the field and visit a few museums.
Read the entire home page which provides information on the course format, learning objectives, past experiences and research.
Watch the “Course Overview” video on the home page to understand how the course is structured.
Visit the 2024 Map page for specifics on buildings we studied in each city in 2024. This is a good representation of the types of buildings we will be studying.
How will I be graded?
You will be graded on your sketchbook 50%, photo and video documentation 20%, class participation 20% and short personal essay 10%.
I want to take this course. What do I do?
Email Lynn Tanaka at [email protected]. You will need to submit a deposit of $100 to secure your spot and be cleared to register.
How do I register for this course?
The course code in Schedule Builder is ARCH 5250: Advanced Topics in Design.
Registration will open March 20, 2024.
Please contact Lynn Tanaka in order to be cleared to register.
Does this course count towards my degree?
Yes. This is a three unit course that counts towards fulfilling your degree requirement.
When do you need a commitment?
To secure your spot, we need your commitment by November 1, 2024.
I'm graduating in May. Can I take this course?
Yes. But you have to coordinate to extend your enrollment.
Is this course open to undergraduates?
No. Not at this time. This is an advanced course for graduate students. However, if we hear from enough undergraduate students, we can evaluate creating a new course. However, if you will be a graduate student next year at UMN, it may be possible.
How much does it cost?
The tuition fees are the same as any other course. This is a three credit course.
The lodging is arranged by the College. The cost is paid for by students through an activity fee of $2,500. This covers lodging in central Paris, Rome, Venice and London for 21 nights.
Students pay for their own airfare, food and subway tickets.
Students book their own flights from Minneapolis into and out of Europe. The cost is anwhere from $900 to $1500 for coach fares.
Once in Europe, we will fly from Paris to Rome, take the train from Rome to Venice stopping for a day in Florence, and fly from Venice to London. Students will book their own flights and can choose what works best for them as long as they arrive on the start dates.
These flights usually cost under $100 each way and can even be as low as $50. Check easyJet and Ryanair for the lowest prices.
Food is cost neutral. Students can buy whatever food they would normally. We eat at affordable places. We may choose to have one special team meal at a nice place if everyone wants to.
Are there additional expenses?
The course tries to minimize the cost to students. Most of the time, we walk or ride the subway to the buildings we study. We may go up to three museums which costs about $10 each.
What are the dates of the trip?
The course takes place during the three week M-Term (May Term).
This year, the dates are May 19 – June 9, 2025.
When will we be in each city?
Paris May 19 – 26
Rome May 26 – 31
Venice May 31 – June 3
London June 3 – 9
Is there a detailed schedule?
Yes. A detailed schedule with locations, dates, contact persons, and other important information will be provided to participants.
Who makes the travel arrangements?
Students book their own flights.
You can arrange to arrive in Paris earlier or leave London later.
The Program Leader will coordinate closely with students to ensure they know where and when to be at designated locations.
How do we get to each city?
Students book their own flights from Minneapolis into Europe. The cost is anwhere from $900 to $1500 for coach fares.
Once in Europe, we will fly from Paris to Rome, take the train from Rome to Venice, stopping in Florence on the way for a day, and from Venice to London. Students will book their own flights and can choose what works best for them as long as they arrive on the start dates: Rome May 26, London June 3.
These flights usually cost under $100 each way and can even be as low as $50. Check Easy Jet, Ryan Air and Play for the lowest prices.
Do students have to pay for the hotels?
Yes. The student pays a program activity fee which covers the cost of the hotels. The College will book the hotels.
Do I have to book my hotels?
No. The College has already booked the hotels. You will need to provide information, such as passport number and photo, to the College.
Can the College arrange for me to arrive at the hotel earlier or stay later?
No. The College is unable to arrange early and late check-ins due to limited availability with our lodging providers.
Students will need to make their own lodging arrangements at another location if they plan to arrive early or stay longer.
I have a question that isn't covered here. What do I do?
Email Alex Duval, Program Leader at [email protected]
Include “3X3 24” in the subject line.
Who are the primary points of contact for this course?
Popular Resources
Current Rates
Generally, the sooner you book your flights, the lower the cost will be.
Tools & Estimators
Check Google flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Paris (CDG). You can fly Delta direct or via Icelandair into Reykjavik. They offer low cost flights from Minneapolis. From there, fly to Paris. From Paris to Rome and Rome to London, check EasyJet.