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WiSe 23/24: Imaginary Cities

Gregor Wolfgang Hens

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Topic: Just as much as the city is a physical reality we all deal with in our daily lives, it is, and always has been, an idea. From ancient history onwards, planned cities (Caliph Al-Mansur's legendary Round City of Baghdad, Brasília) were thought up before they were built, and many cities of the imagination, such as Jonathan Swift's magnetic island of Laputa, were never built at all. While the biblical New Jerusalem was meant to inspire awe and glorify God, and Renaissance utopias illustrated a particular type of social organization, the modern imaginary cities that can be found in experimental urban planning, in literature and film offer a critique of contemporary urban life or serve as models for change. Program: We will explore the history of the imaginary city from ancient times to the present, highlight a number of historical futuristic concepts such as Constant's New Babylon, and explore ideas ranging from a "velotopia" to the libertarian dream of seasteading. Student presentations will round out the discussion by "visiting" imaginary cities in literature, film, land art and gaming. Can I take this course? The course has no prerequisites and is open to students from all areas of study. You should, however, have an interest in various forms of cultural expression, in literature and urban environments. As preparatory reading, the instructor recommends Darran Anderson's insightful and well-written book Imaginary Cities (Influx Press 2015). Requirements and Grading: In order to earn 5 ECTS points, students will have to attend at least 80% of all class sessions, including at least one of the first two sessions of the semester. The instructor reserves the right to refuse admission after week two. Students will have to read all assigned texts carefully and take notes; participate actively in class discussions; present a topic to the class; and pass a written exam. close

16 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Mon, 10:00 - 12:00 16 Class schedule

Mon, 2023-10-16 10:00 - 12:00

Lecturers:
Gregor Hens