230583 Praxisstudien: New York City (S) (SoSe 2008)

This course will fulfill the requirement for "Praxisstudien" in the Profile phase. It is also open to other students doing PM 5 and 6 if they are eager to do practical tasks demanding initiative and self-direction rather than participating (or remaining passive) in a more traditional lecture-seminar. Students may earn 3 LP or 9 LP for the seminar--this will be explained in the first course meeting.

The concept for the course evolved from a project done by Praxis students last summer. I realized that many students were interested in getting to know New York City better and in developing their appreciation of the City through the lens of their own special interests in literature,linguistics, the arts, the media, urban design, politics and ethnic cultures. I also became aware that a basic orientation in terms of history, geography,and a native New Yorker's perspective would be useful for students attempting to reach an informed understanding of how the City works and how to go about exploring it.

I will provide the introductory orientation based on my personal experience of growing up in New York and my lifelong love affair with the City. You will provide the curiosity and investigative ingenuity to formulate questions and seek your own answers, working together in teams with shared interests--presenting your results in a format that can be shared with others--limited only by your initiative and creativity. You will be visiting the City virtually by means of the internet and a variety of media resources. If you plan to visit New York in the flesh this summer--your trip can also be incorporated into your project for the course.

The course will appeal to those who prefer to engage in hands-on tasks following their own interests rather than absorbing information pre-packaged by seminar leaders or lecturers.

Class time will be used primarily for progress reports, consultation, trouble shooting and the exchange of ideas. The shape of the course will develop from the interests and talents of the participants. There will be considerable scope for your own input and suggestions since I regard this approach as "still under construction."

Warning: there will be no place for passive onlookers! And you must come prepared to be passionately interested in something(s) and compulsively pursue further knowledge wherever it may lead you. The course demands weekly work and sustained engagement with your theme(s), as well as developing trust and cooperation with team members who may be strangers to you at the beginning. All group communication will be in English!