16914

Imaginary Cities

Gregor Hens

Comments

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 are featured in experimental urban planning, in literature, films and gaming 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, 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. Students who wish to get a head start on the topic may want to read Darran Anderson's book Imaginary Cities. Requirements and Grading: In order to earn 5 ECTS points, students will have to attend at least 80% of all class sessions. The instructor reserves the right to refuse admission after the second week of the semester. Students will have to carefully read all assigned texts; participate actively in class discussions; present a topic; and pass the final exam. close

16 Class schedule

Regular appointments

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

Tue, 2024-10-15 10:00 - 12:00

Lecturers:
Gregor Hens