16845

SoSe 16: Reading the City

Susanne Scharnowski

Zusätzl. Angaben / Voraussetzungen

Englischkenntnisse: mindestens B2

Kommentar

The city has frequently been described as a ‘text’ that, like a book, can be read and interpreted, or even as a ‘palimpsest’ with multiple textual layers from different historical periods. So, what kind of knowledge and what kind of observational skills does it take to ‘read’ a big city with a complex history and an intricate social structure? In this course, we will look at exemplary ways of reading the city, taking into account theoretical approaches as well as literary and filmic representations of Berlin. Furthermore, students will engage with the cityscape itself (e.g. architectural features, the organisation of public space, signs, plaques and images, etc.) and endeavour their own readings and descriptions of specific streets or neighbourhoods of Berlin. The course aims to develop students’ literacy in reading complex urban environments as well as reflecting upon their perceptions. Students will be able to perform a critical analysis of the ‘text’ of the city and a critical assessment of different ways in which it is represented in media, popular culture and tourism marketing. - The course materials will be available as a digital course reader. Assessment: Along with regularly attending the seminar and studying the course materials, students should produce some written work (approx. 800-1000 words). Additionally, students will sit a written examination (20 July, 90 minutes). Schließen

14 Termine

Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung

Di, 12:00 - 14:00 14 Termine

Di, 19.04.2016 12:00 - 14:00

Dozenten:
Dr. Susanne Scharnowski