Prague: City of Cultures, City of Conflict (328-0-1)
Instructors
Martina Kerlova
847/491-5788
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge, Office 3325
Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:30-2pm and by appointment
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
This course examines Prague, one of the most beautiful and culturally vibrant cities in Europe. The city's magnificent streets and buildings both conceal and reveal a past full of multi ethnic coexistence and inter ethnic conflict. The course aims to understand the development of Prague over the past two centuries from a multicultural, democratic city to a homogeneous, communist one, and ultimately to its present open and capitalist incarnation. We will read a range of literary and historical sources, including the story of the Golem and writings by Milan Kundera, Václav Havel, and Franz Kafka. We will also study the architecture of the city and watch films set on its streets. No prerequisites, non-majors are welcome.
Learning Objectives
To consider the productive (as well as the destructive) consequences of inter-ethnic strife and political repression, in particular, in the development of literature. - To investigate how cultural producers and consumers respond to divisive pressures from within and censorious pressures from without. - To understand the contingent and malleable nature of national and other identities.- Prepare for your trip to Prague!
Class Materials (Required)
Hrabal, Bohumil: I served the King of England Kovály, Heda Margolius: Under a Cruel Star: A Life in Prague, 1941-1968 Kundera, Milan: Unbearable Lightness of Being. The Course pack includes the Golem legend and selections from Kafka, Havel, Kundera and Patocka, they will be available on canvas. Films (streamed), the video game available in class.
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity