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SoSe 21: Creative walking: The art and science of psychogeography

Gregor Wolfgang Hens

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Topic: Psychogeography is a method of exploring urban environments playfully and experimentally, and to capture the urban experience in various (scientific and artistic) forms. Its adherents attempt to describe urban structures that are difficult to grasp by traditional means, such as invisible borders between neighborhoods and centers of attraction. Psychogeography has been practiced since the 1950s in a number of disciplines (literature, architectural theory, sociology, cartography among them), and it is closely associated with the avantgarde Situationist International movement, where it has a strong political component. The urban dweller in his/her socio-economic context is seen as a passive consumer of events or spectacles whose vision is liberated through unexpected "situations", such as chance meetings, and misappropriations of urban space. Whereas the "flâneurs" of the early 20th century drifted mainly through the inner cities of major European metropolises (particularly Paris), contemporary Psychogeography tends to focus on the urban periphery, on satellite cities and forgotton places. New forms of urban experimentation that draw on psychogeographic practices include Urban Exploration, map hacking, flashmobs and parkour. Program: We will read a number of literary and non-literary texts of the psychogeographic tradition and follow its development to the present. We will question the precepts of social and economic (touristic) activity, in part by discussing various "deviant" modes of movement, such as cycling, night walking and city swimming. In our readings and discussions, urban space will be treated as a field of experimentation and an invitation to trespass. Student presentations that highlight particular urban spaces, routes or adventures will complement the theoretical part of the course. Since guided excursions are incompatible with the "dérive" or drifting games of Psychogeography, course participants will be expected to explore the city on their own, venture beyond the touristic areas of Berlin and report on their experiences. Can I take this course? Yes, if you are interested in urbanism, architecture or related fields; willing to engage with literary texts; and eager to explore the city on your own. The course has no further prerequisites. Requirements and Grading: In order to earn 5 ECTS-points, you will need to read (carefully and with a dictionary) approximately ten pages a week; attend at least 80% of course meetings; actively participate in course and group discussions; prepare one short (10-15 minute) presentation; and pass a written final examination. close