Frequently Asked Questions about Premise Courses

 

Who is Premise for?

Premise courses are designed with the busy adult in mind. We invite individuals at all stages of life to participate, from recent college graduates to retirees and everyone in between.


Do Premise classes meet in person or online?

All classes meet online in a live (synchronous) format using Zoom. Class times suit all time zones. As we gain a better sense of what a post-pandemic world might look and feel like, we plan to offer in-person Premise courses.

How long is each Premise course?

Courses meet weekly (one 2-hour class session) and run between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on the number and length of texts used in the course.


I have never taken an online course. Will I feel supported and included?

Premise instructors have experience teaching online conversation-style classes and know how to make the Zoom screen feel like a welcoming classroom. We understand that some adults may need help accessing Zoom and acclimating to the newness of taking a live, online course. We offer free sessions that address Zoom basics and tech troubleshooting for any student who needs support or might want a little extra practice in order to feel comfortable.

How big are Premise courses?

Premise courses enroll between 8 and 20 students. Our goal is to help adults connect and learn through conversation. We know this is most likely to happen in smaller groups.


How much preparation is expected before each Premise class?

The assigned reading between classes is chosen to fit into a busy adult’s life. While individuals may spend more or less time depending on their needs and interests, students should expect to spend approximately 2 to 3 hours in weekly preparation.