Professor
Berfin Ataman
AD
Most Helpful Review
Spring 2024 - Class moves pretty fast deadlines are very quick. She expects a lot from students considering this is a lower-division beginner studio and many students are new to making tangible items (or have never done it at all). At some points it is clear that she wants us to make our projects the way that she would (she will get upset if you choose not to follow her advice), and if something doesn't seem to be working out, she encourages abandoning the idea rather than continuing to work on it or offer to help create a solution. There is a general negative approach towards student ideas (she is trying to push you?), but it will come across demoralizing and discouraging more often than not. She is also very heavy on abstraction, but I believe that while it can be encouraged, it doesn't need to be forced especially if it allows students to be more passionate about what they are creating and focus more on their execution rather than on their idea. However, even with this all being said, some classes she will be in a very happy mood and is be very nice and friendly. TLDR: Take Esposito if you're new to form and would like to create whatever you want; Take Berfin if you're already proficient with form and are an abstract conceptualist and are very confident in your making abilities.
Spring 2024 - Class moves pretty fast deadlines are very quick. She expects a lot from students considering this is a lower-division beginner studio and many students are new to making tangible items (or have never done it at all). At some points it is clear that she wants us to make our projects the way that she would (she will get upset if you choose not to follow her advice), and if something doesn't seem to be working out, she encourages abandoning the idea rather than continuing to work on it or offer to help create a solution. There is a general negative approach towards student ideas (she is trying to push you?), but it will come across demoralizing and discouraging more often than not. She is also very heavy on abstraction, but I believe that while it can be encouraged, it doesn't need to be forced especially if it allows students to be more passionate about what they are creating and focus more on their execution rather than on their idea. However, even with this all being said, some classes she will be in a very happy mood and is be very nice and friendly. TLDR: Take Esposito if you're new to form and would like to create whatever you want; Take Berfin if you're already proficient with form and are an abstract conceptualist and are very confident in your making abilities.