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S1612 Identity, Heritage and Globalization (Global Challenges core)

Benesch Klaus

Art in/and the City: The Urban Imagination in a Global Perspective


Course Description
This class traces the history and representation of cities both in America and in Europe, from the 18th to the twenty-first century. In addition to an introduction to urbanism and urban theory, we will investigate the transformation of cities through the influence of globalization and global communication networks. In particular, we will look at the role of cities in the construction of cultural mythologies and of manifestations of the urban imagination in literature and the arts.


Aims
The aims of this class are:
a) to develop an understanding of the key issues in the history of cities and their representation in literature and the arts;
b) to develop an understanding of the importance of cities for various fields, such as area studies, cultural studies, the history of arts and aesthetics, and, in particular, the study of modernity;
c) to develop a further understanding of the changes of the urban experience under conditions of globalization and transnational cultures.
 
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the class, successful students should have
i) significantly increased their understanding of the urban experience in the US and other parts of the world;
ii) displayed the ability to develop an articulate line of argument in oral presentations;
iii) further developed their researching and writing skills, and shown their ability to use interdisciplinary approaches if applicable and appropriate.

 

Teaching and Learning Strategies
The class will provide an introduction to or consolidation of key analytical themes and interpretations, rather than supply basic factual information, which students are expected to gain through their own reading. Selected themes will then be explored in individual session, preferably by way of discussion groups. These groups are central to the development of the course, and participation and performance therein will be reflected in the final grade. It is essential that students attend seminars, and that they come prepared to discuss the relevant topic[s].

 

Plagiarism
Students’ attention is drawn to the VIU Guidelines, Faculty regulations, and the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, regarding plagiarism (i.e. passing someone else’s words off as your own). All direct quotations must be indicated with quotation marks and accurately footnoted. Plagiarism is a serious offence and will result in 0 credits for the class.

 

Deadlines
The two papers should be submitted according to a deadline, agreed upon by all participants during the first session of the respective class. One piece should be handed in by each of the deadlines. The first deadline is Friday, May 20; the second deadline is within 7 days after presentation in class, i.e. the following week.

 

General Remarks
Students are strongly reminded that their performance on this class depends heavily on their own reading and other preparation work. It is expected that the required papers will be well-researched. To this end an extensive bibliography will be available in class as well as on the VIU web-site. Most importantly, students are expected to make interdisciplinary connections wherever possible in all parts of their assessment of a specific topic. The moderator/professor is always willing to supply guidance and suggestions regarding both topics and methodology, and is available at mutually arranged times for tutorial assistance.