How is The Principles and Practice of New Urbanism taught?
It is a self-paced, online course. Because it is self-paced, each student can complete the coursework when it is convenient for their schedule – there are no set times when you must be online. You may access and study for the course from anywhere in the world. The course is taught using Elevate Learning Management System.
Who developed the course?
The course was developed by professors at the University of Miami School of Architecture, a world-leader in New Urbanism, based on years of classroom experience that has been adapted for online learning. Please visit the Contributors page to see a list of everyone who participated in the development of this course.
What is the course structure?
The course consists of eleven instructional units that students complete on their own time, within a twelve (12) week period of registering for the course. Each unit includes required and supplementary readings in addition to the online content. Each unit contains Test Yourself questions. A passing score of 80% on Test Yourself questions is required to receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Miami School of Architecture.
What supplementary materials are needed for the course?
Four books are required:
- Charter of the New Urbanism, Michael Leccese and Kathleen McCormick, eds. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000). This book is out of print, but can be downloaded as a PDF.
- New Urbanism: Best Practices Guide, 4th Edition, by Robert Steuteville, Philip Langdon, et. al. (Ithaca, NY: New Urban Publications, 2009). We will send you a link to download upon registration.
- Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck (New York: North Point Press, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000) Buy now from Amazon.com.
- Sustainable Street Network Principles by the CNU. This book can be read online, or downloaded through the CNU website. Download now from the CNU.
Is the course open for registration at any time?
No, there are specific times when students can enroll and take the course. Visit the New Urbanism Online website for session dates.
How much time will the course take?
We estimate that the course will take approximately 55 hours to complete, including supplementary readings, although this will of course vary by student.
Who can take the course?
Anyone who is interested in learning about New Urbanism, in the U.S. or abroad. The course helps with preparation for the CNU Accreditation Exam from the Congress for the New Urbanism. You do not need to be a University of Miami student to take the course.
I live outside of the United States, can I take the course?
Yes, the course is managed by an online system that allows you to logon anywhere in the world with web access.
Is the course eligible for university credit?
No, non-UM students are not eligible for university credit. If you are a current University of Miami student, you may speak to your advisor about possible credit opportunities.
Is the course eligible for AIA and/or AICP credit?
At this time, the course is not eligible for AIA or AICP credit.
Is the exam taken after each unit, or is there a final exam which encompasses all of the learning units?
There are "Test Yourself" questions at the end of each unit. A score of 80% is required to receive the University of Miami Certificate of Completion.
What is the format of the CNU-Accreditation exam?
The exam is comprised of approximately 70 randomly delivered multiple choice and true/false. You will have a 3.5-hour time limit to complete the exam. You should not need any more than three hours and will probably use less time. You will only be able to take the exam once and will need to set aside enough time to complete the exam in one sitting, i.e., you cannot stop in the middle of taking the exam and start again at a different time.
When the exam period ends, the University of Miami and Congress for New Urbanism will analyze the results to determine the passing score based on any necessary adjustments. You will receive results and CNU-Accreditation information directly from the CNU when this analysis is completed, approximately three weeks after the exam period has closed.
Separate registration is required.
What is the cost of taking the course and exam?
Three payment options are described below:
Course Fees
| Type |
Cost |
The cost includes: |
Registration: |
| Course Only |
$335 |
Twelve weeks of access to the course, two weeks access to the final exam.
Certificate of Completion from the University of Miami
CNU Member Price: $300
|
Course Registration |
| CNU-A Exam Only |
$225 |
Two weeks of access to the exam.
CNU Accredited status if all requirements are met (more information about accreditation requirements are available in the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide) |
Exam Registration |
| Course & CNU-A Exam |
$525 |
Twelve weeks of access to the course, two-weeks access to the exam.
Certificate of Completion from the University of Miami
CNU Accredited status if all requirements are met (more information about accreditation requirements are available in the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide) |
Registration for the course and exam must be done separately.
Course Registration
Exam Registration
|
Do I have to take the course in order to take the exam?
No, you can take the exam for Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation Exam, without taking the course, for an additional $225 fee. The CNU uses the same registration period for the exam as we use for the course. In other words, you must register for the course and exam at the same time, if you are choosing to participate in both. Click here for more information and to register.
How do I register for the course and CNU-Accreditation Exam?
Registration for the course and exam is completed online, through Elevate website.
I have additional questions.
Contact us at nuonline@miami.edu or 305-284-4420.
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