Coursework

Junior Year 2021-2022

Fall 2021:

CEP 301

Theories of community and communal rights and responsibilities. Experience building a learning community within major. Explores struggles for community in every sector of life.

CEP 301 was the first core course required for my major. Throughout the course, we studied Native American struggles by reading the book "There There." We also explored the challenges of identity as an Ethiopian immigrant through the book "The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears." Lastly, we examined the topic of racism and its impact on society by reading "The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together."

L ARCH 212

Ecological/environmental instability and resulting social/cultural disruptions make the world in which spatial designers work increasingly uncertain. Lectures and guest speakers explore diverse ways in which design may create more sustainable futures. Course activities, including in-class design exercises, internet research, group discussions, take home projects, etc. encourage synthetic/integrative thinking.

L Arch 212 was a recommended course for me. However, after taking it, I realized that minoring in landscape architecture wasn't my desired path. Instead, I decided to pursue a minor in construction management. The course provided valuable insights into the future of the world, but my true passion lies in the building process.

CM 310

Introduction to the construction process, including general overview of organization, relationships, practices, terminology, project types, procurement methods, industry standards, contract documents, and career opportunities.

CM 310 served as the introductory course for the construction management minor. It played a pivotal role in shaping my pathway during my time at UW. Through this course, I gained valuable insights that led me to make the decision to pursue construction management as both a minor and a career.

WINTER 22:

CEP 302

Explores issues of environmental crisis and societal responses. Readings and reflective analysis from broad selection of authoritative sources to develop grounded perspective in ecological literacy and consciousness. Concurrently, experiential education in challenges and practical responses to building sustainable society through participation in community-based environmental effort.

CEP 302 was my second core course where we explored the significance of built environments on our natural surroundings. For the final project, I presented an environmental impact statement review report on the light rail extension. This experience enlightened me about the various planning stages involved in such massive undertakings.

CM 311

Introduction to construction plans and specifications with emphasis on reading and interpreting them. Focuses on architectural/engineering drawings and associated specifications used in building construction.

CM 311 was a pivotal moment in my CM pathway as it provided me with valuable insights into the art of deciphering construction documents. I was genuinely enthused about acquiring this skill set. This course not only honed my abilities in reading construction documents but also proved instrumental in enhancing my performance in subsequent courses and my internship.

CM 260

Use construction and design related software to perform project administration. Students will be able to apply Excel to organize construction costs, Revit to visualize construction in 3-D, Computer Aided Design to draw construction plans, SketchUp to visualize construction activities, and Bluebeam for plan reading and collaboration.

CM 260 played a vital role in my understanding of the digital aspects of construction management. At the time, I was still in the process of acquiring knowledge about construction management as a whole. This course provided me with a solid foundation in utilizing essential digital tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, Sketchup, and Project Schedule. Mastering these basics proved immensely beneficial for my progress in other courses, particularly in utilizing Bluebeam and Excel effectively.

SPRING 22:

CEP 303

Investigates use of formal and informal social structures and processes within context of community and environment. Looks at patterns and institutions of social organization and relationships among different sectors. Issues of interrelatedness, citizenship, knowledge, and communication.

CEP 303, my third core course, marked the beginning of exploring the realms of planning and the societal frameworks that influence cities and their environments. Through this course, we embarked on neighborhood walks to scrutinize elements such as sidewalks, aromas, and buildings. As a collective, we analyzed the shortcomings of these neighborhoods and brainstormed potential enhancements we could implement to uplift them.

CM 331

Introduction to the principles and techniques of estimating construction costs, with emphasis on quantity take-off and pricing elements of work.

CM 331 proved instrumental in my comprehension of the construction project estimation process. Throughout the course, we delved into various estimating techniques and even engaged in estimating a portion of a project that required a bid submission. This class significantly improved my abilities in plan reading, estimation, and provided me with a holistic understanding of the multifaceted aspects of construction.

JSIS 362

Focuses on the political economy of governance, development, and conflict in sub-Saharan African countries since independence. Explores the political and economic choices made by Africa's colonial and post-colonial regimes and connects them to current events in sub-Saharan Africa.

I enrolled in JSIS 362 primarily to fulfill the diversity requirements for my major. However, this course proved to be an eye-opening experience as it exposed me to a wealth of information that I had never previously considered. It was a thought-provoking class that compelled me to contemplate and reassess my understanding of the history of colonization and the slave trade. As someone originally from Libya, comprehending the reasons behind the frequent conflicts and instability in many African countries held great significance for me. This class fulfilled that craving for knowledge and provided me with valuable insights.

Senior Year 2022-2023

FALL 22:

CEP 460

Examines theory against backdrop of practice for broad historical understanding of social, political, environmental planning. Critique from viewpoints, e.g., planning history, ethics, ecofeminism, environmental justice, class and capitalism, planning and global economy. Develop personalized history reflecting individual experience, professional experience, and philosophical heritage of planning profession.

CEP 460 marked the beginning of my Senior year, and I had no idea what to expect. However, the experience surpassed all my expectations. We were given the freedom to choose from various projects for the quarter, and I opted to work on enhancing the storefronts of the twin cities in downtown Stanwood. Our objective was to develop design guidelines that would uplift the overall aesthetics of these cities' storefronts. I actively participated in selecting the color scheme and devising implementation strategies. While this class was a core requirement for my major, it proved to be a transformative journey, expanding my knowledge of the urban planning world and the intricate processes involved. It served as a pivotal moment in comprehending the complexities inherent in urban development.

CEP 490

Supports the conceptualization and planning of senior project/capstone work. Focuses on selecting a project, beginning a literature review, finding a mentor, and developing a plan.

CEP 490 was the initial installment of a three-part series designed to support me throughout my senior capstone project. To be honest, this period was quite bewildering for me. I encountered numerous obstacles while attempting to determine my research topic, causing me to switch directions multiple times. Initially, I explored the concept of desert reforestation, only to later shift gears towards a topic related to the business realm. Unfortunately, I struggled to deliver my project proposal on time, resulting in an incomplete status for the class. Determined to rectify the situation, I dedicated my winter break to a thorough soul-searching process, attempting to discover the perfect topic to delve into. On the night of the first day of winter quarter is when everything fell into place. It dawned on me that my greatest passion and the subject I cared about the most was my religion, Islam. Muslims have consistently been misrepresented in movies, the media, and various other platforms. With this realization, I made a firm decision to center my research around the analysis of Muslim representation in Hollywood films.

CEP 446

Connects core and individual courses with field work. Group and individual readings develop understanding of how students' internships and field placements constitute particular element of community and environmental planning. Explores how what we do for a living is part of our lives as citizens and public service. 

CEP 446 played a pivotal role as my internship class, providing me with essential insights into the workings of the real world. Throughout this course, I gained valuable knowledge on crafting a strong resume, effectively answering interview questions, writing compelling cover letters, and building a repertoire of diverse accomplishments to draw upon during interviews. The rewards of this class were immense, as it greatly aided me during career fairs by securing interviews and ultimately securing an offer letter for a job opportunity.

WINTER 23:

CEP 461

Examination of personal, societal, vocational, environmental, planning ethics. Readings and discourse on ethical foundations for public life. Individual and group readings on values, human potential. Develops understanding of ecological context, moral responsibility, self-awareness. Constructs positive, diverse view of humanity, environment regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, beliefs.

CEP 461, a core class focusing on ethics and identity, presented a significant challenge for me as I sought to express my Muslim identity. Being a Muslim is not merely a religious affiliation but a comprehensive way of life, and conveying this to a student group whose values and beliefs were vastly different proved to be a daunting task. Often, I felt apprehensive about voicing my views, fearing that they would clash with the ideals held by my peers. However, as the course progressed, I found my voice and grew increasingly confident in sharing my perspectives. For my final project, I took the opportunity to write about Islamic ethics, aiming to provide others with a genuine understanding of the principles that define the Muslim experience. My intention was to bridge the gap in comprehension and foster an environment of empathy and respect. Despite the initial challenges, CEP 461 ultimately empowered me to navigate the complexities of expressing my Muslim identity, enabling me to communicate my beliefs and values with greater assertiveness.

CEP 491

Focuses on implementing the senior project/capstone, including revisions and updates as seen fit.

CEP 491 served as the second class within the three-part series dedicated to supporting me in my senior capstone project. It was during this course that I truly deepened my understanding of my chosen topic. Here, I had the opportunity to finalize crucial components of my project, including the literature review, abstract, and methodology. The class provided a fertile ground for me to delve into extensive research, analyze existing literature, and develop a robust framework for my study. This phase marked a significant milestone in the progression of my capstone project, solidifying its direction and setting the stage for the subsequent stages of implementation and analysis.

CM 411

Introduction to the basic principles, techniques, and practices used as tools by contractors to plan, schedule, and control costs on building construction projects.

CM 411 was a highly informative class that played a crucial role in bolstering my confidence as a future construction engineer. The course proved instrumental in providing me with valuable insights into the intricate world of project scheduling. Gaining a deeper understanding of this aspect was paramount to my professional growth in the field. Through the course, I acquired practical knowledge and skills that allowed me to effectively plan and manage construction projects, ensuring their timely completion. This newfound expertise in project scheduling not only enhanced my confidence but also equipped me with essential tools to excel in my future endeavors as a construction engineer.

CM 540

Study of sustainable construction techniques and best practices. Focuses on use of U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards to evaluate alternatives and select techniques for constructing sustainable projects.

CM 540 was undeniably one of the most challenging classes I undertook, as it was at the master's level and demanded comprehensive projects with rich datasets. The course pushed me beyond my limits, surpassing my initial expectations. Throughout the quarter, I delved into the intricate processes involved in constructing LEED buildings and gained a profound understanding of what it truly takes to create a sustainable construction project. While my decision to take a graduate-level class was driven by the unfortunate overlap in timing between the undergraduate course and my core class, CM 540 proved to be an invaluable alternative. It not only provided me with a rigorous academic experience but also expanded my knowledge and expertise in the realm of sustainable construction practices.

ARCH 410

Introduction to international trade, marketing, and environmental business. Concepts include plan writing, exporting and importing, carbon credits, green marketing, and how global exchange rates affect environmental assets such as forests.

Arch 410 was an elective class that I enrolled in primarily due to my passion for photography. This course provided a unique opportunity for me to explore the art of film photography and delve into the intricate process of printing black and white photographs in a darkroom. The experience was truly unforgettable, as I gained hands-on knowledge of using a film camera and discovered the magic of developing and producing prints through traditional methods. The journey of creating images from start to finish, immersing myself in the darkroom and witnessing the transformation of a blank sheet into a tangible photograph, left an indelible mark on me. Arch 410 not only expanded my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship involved in Architectural photography. It was a truly enriching experience that I will cherish forever.

SPRING 23:

CEP 462

Capstone quarter merges core seminars, disciplinary courses in major, community field experiences for mastery of personal knowledge and skills. Reflection and synthesis of themes in major; engagement with contemporary issues. Compares theoretical definitions of community and environment with individual philosophies and knowledge within thoughtful, applied context.

CEP 462 marked the final class in the three-part series that provided crucial support for my senior capstone project. This class played a pivotal role in bringing my project to a successful conclusion. It equipped me with essential skills, such as creating an ePortfolio and delivering effective presentations, while also fostering creativity. Without the guidance and expertise provided by my mentor, Christopher Campbell, I would not have been able to complete my senior capstone project. His invaluable assistance had a significant impact on my journey, and I am immensely grateful for his support. CEP 462 was instrumental in tying all the elements of my project together, ensuring its completion and leaving me with a sense of accomplishment.

CM 421

Introduction to the organization, management, and administrative functions on construction projects including a hands-on and extensive case study of a commercial construction project, cost control, and introduction to the concepts of Value Engineering, partnering, and Total Quality Management.

CM 421 played a pivotal role in highlighting the significance of leadership within the construction industry, particularly in the role of a project manager. This class proved to be of utmost importance as it imparted valuable insights into various scenarios and equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate challenging tasks and situations. I gained a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and expectations associated with project management in construction. Through case studies and practical exercises, I honed my abilities to make informed decisions, effectively communicate with team members, and overcome obstacles that arise in construction projects. CM 421 not only enhanced my knowledge of leadership principles but also provided me with the tools and strategies essential for success as a project manager in the construction industry.

CM 333

Explanation of requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and other related federal and state legislation as applied to the building construction industry. Standards for accident prevention, hazard identification, and responsibility for compliance emphasized.

CM 333, the construction safety class, proved to be a highly valuable component of my preparation for a career in construction. Through this class, I had the opportunity to earn my OSHA 10 card, which holds immense significance in the industry. This class equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills to ensure safety on construction sites, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper safety protocols and regulations. The acquisition of my OSHA 10 card further solidified my commitment to prioritizing safety in all construction projects I will be involved in. CM 333 played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of construction safety and will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more efficient construction career in the future.

URDP 480

Provides students interested in the planning profession an opportunity to understand the different pathways and career choices within the profession. Introduces students to guest professionals in various planning careers and highlight key issues, skills used, and tips to entering the field. Focuses on professional practice rather than analytical methods or theory.

URDP 480 proved to be a pivotal class that provided me with a profound understanding of the urban planning profession. This course played a crucial role in shaping my perspective and sparked contemplation about the possibility of transitioning from construction management to urban planning. It allowed me to explore the intricacies of the urban planning field, gain insight into the diverse challenges and opportunities it presents, and assess the skills required for a successful transition. URDP 480 enabled me to delve into the world of urban planning, broadening my horizons and igniting a passion for this industry. It compelled me to consider the potential of switching industries and motivated me to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in urban planning.

CM 429

Study of the role and responsibilities of the Project Superintendent, analytical and technical skill sets used in managing field operations. Special emphasis on logistics, work flow planning, productivity tracking and development and management of a project schedule's critical path.

CM 429 was a course that I eagerly anticipated, and it exceeded my expectations in terms of the insights it provided into the role of a construction project superintendent. This class delved into the various components that contribute to effective project management, igniting a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for my future in the construction industry. The comprehensive projects we undertook throughout the course further fueled my desire to learn and gain more experience. Each project allowed me to delve deeper into the responsibilities and challenges faced by superintendents, providing valuable hands-on experience and honing my skills in managing construction projects. CM 429 not only bolstered my knowledge but also instilled a sense of passion and excitement for my future as a construction project superintendent.