Final Syllabus
Visual Culture of Cities
Exploring Visual Democracy through Street Art and Street Culture
Session 2, Summer 2016
Credits: 3
Study Tour: Berlin
Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Cultural Geography, Cultural Studies,
Art Studies, Architecture & Design, Graphic Design, Political Studies
Faculty Members: Sophia Schuff & Anders Larsen
Program Director: Neringa Vendelbo ([email protected])
Program Assistant: Erin Scally ([email protected])
Classroom: V23-301
Special Note* Much of the class will be spent visiting sites via bicycle, so confidence in cycling is
mandatory.
Course Description:
This class examines how contemporary visual urban culture and visuality in the public realm does in fact
facilitate the communication of political and societal values in a city. The course will use Copenhagen as the
main case study and will examine how urban planning and design contributes to a city’s visual culture. Field
studies will be an integrated part of the course. The city will be used as a classroom through walking and
bike tours, and by visiting different cities around the Copenhagen area. The course will look into the spatial
components of creating a visually democratic city, effects of street art, urban design, commercial interests
and advertisement in public space. Key concepts we will discuss are questions such as, What constitutes a
place? What is a visual plan or branding? How do you interpret a city’s visual culture? And, what policies are
in place to influence urban culture? The course will also include a study tour to Berlin, Germany, which will
provide a platform for a comparative study of visual culture and visual democracy between Copenhagen
and Berlin. Two cities who both have a very liberal take on visual democracy and the right to express
yourself in the public realm, but for vastly different reasons, and thus with different de facto
manifestations.
Instructors:
Sophia Schuff
M.A., Sustainability Science, Lund University (2014). B.S. Arts & Letters focusing on Community
Development and Urban Design, Portland State University (2012). Currently Head Researcher and Urban
Designer at CITITEK. Works in urban design and participatory design consulting in Copenhagen and Malmö.
Recent projects include data analysis on cultural amenities in Norway, and creating a guide for urban health
through design for Tönsberg, Norway. With DIS since 2015. Email: [email protected]
Anders Larsen
Cand.Mag., History and English Literature and Language, University of Copenhagen (2008). His research has
focused on cultural history and visual culture. Anders also teaches Meaning of Style which is an
introduction to semiotic analysis using fashion as a case, and London: reading the City that focuses on
reading London as a text. Anders has over the years worked on various projects for DIS relating to cultural
competencies and cultural engagement. He has furthermore worked on staff training within the Housing &
Student Affairs department. With DIS since 2007. Email: [email protected]
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability
Final Syllabus
Approach to Teaching
During the course Copenhagen will be used as an ‘urban laboratory’ to study how visual culture policies,
strategies and programs are physically manifested in the urban environment. Class room lectures will be
supported by weekly field trips by bicycle. The teaching approach is that 1:1 learning and first hand
experiences will provide a higher quality understanding of the complex nature of the course topics. The
daily class format will be a workshops style set up, which allow students to be more independent in their
learning, yet follow the course framework. Every day starts with a reading salon to ensure that all the
readings are done, as the theoretical foundation is essential to be able to discuss this matter in an academic
setting. Teamwork is an integral part of the course framework. The specific site studies we will do both here
in Copenhagen and in Berlin will be part of the design of the shared class piece for both Copenhagen and
Berlin. To complete the course students must write an evidence-based reflective paper on their field work
findings and experiences from Copenhagen and Berlin. Each student will keep a visual journal, to assist the
individual learning process.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course students will be able to:
• Understand how the visual identity of a city facilitates the communication of political and societal values
• Display enhanced multi-media skills and ability to interpret a city’s visual culture
• More effectively present ideas of culture both individually and as part of a team
Assignments and Late Policy
Our priority for assignments is for students to gain knowledge and master skills that will make you adept at
understanding the visuality of the urban environment around you. The assignments are structured to build
upon each other towards a cumulative final assignment, the reflective paper, which allows you to
demonstrate your knowledge and skill mastery from the entire semester.
The professor aim to assist you in mastering these skills through personal feedback and/or class discussions
with each assignment. Both will be critical to your success throughout the semester. Assignments that are
not submitted by the due date will not receive feedback.
Field Studies
Lectures will be supported by weekly field trips by bicycle. All topics will be covered both by literature,
lectures and field trips. The field trips will include mapping and observation exercises. All course
assignments will be based in these findings and investigations. The individual student visual journal
(notebook/sketch book) will be a central element in the learning experience. The visual journal will collect
information, both notes from readings, lectures and the field trip exercises, this way producing a personal
‘Visual Democracy Encyclopedia’. No formal art skills required! – A journal/sketchbook will be provided at
the beginning of class.
Berlin tour description: June 20-24
Berlin is the epicenter of urban culture in Europe and has been for the last three decades. During our stay
in Berlin, we will study the visual language and visual culture of the city. We will look at the differing
perspectives of the political, social, and historical mechanisms that form the current urban make up of the
city. You will learn to identify the modes in which a city remembers historical events through memorials,
you will learn to identify different styles of graffiti and how the represent an urban landscape, and you will
observe Berlin through its counter culture activities. These new perspectives will be gained through city
bike tours, guest lectures, active workshops for creating your own tag, and urban exploration.
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability
Final Syllabus
Study tour objectives:
 Understand and identify the cultural and visual differences between East and West Berlin
 Explore the historic context of Berlin through a memorial tour and analyze its impact on the current
visual identity of the city
 Explore street art, facades, culture, and commercial signage through observational exercises and
visual recording methods learned in class
 Make a mark on the city with your own graffiti piece
Activities:
 Visiting the world famous Boros Collection
 Gaining historical context and perspective from a guided “how cities remember” tour looking at the
scars of the city and the memorials left
 Engaging in a walking tour to see famous graffiti pieces and create your own graffiti piece in the city
 Experiencing alternative culture in Berlin by visiting a local drag show
 Visit local architects working with the city’s contemporary cultural scene
Expectations of the Students
All students are expected to be independent learners/thinkers, good observers, and capable & comfortable
riding a bicycle. The academic content of the lectures will be substantial but the learning objective is
primarily the ability to translate that academic knowledge into useable applicable knowledge using the city
as the urban laboratory for this. Students are expected to be able to conduct individual observation
exercises, as well as story telling exercises and what-if-scenario assignments. Students are expected to be
smart and imaginative in relation to the exercises and assignments as well as sensible and sensitive in
relation to lectures and field trips. There are times to discuss and create and there are times to look and
listen.
The Bicycling Component
During Visual Culture of Cities we will be exploring Copenhagen and Malmö. We will be biking at least four
times during the course. These cities are all well known for their cycle culture - 63 % of Copenhagen's
population bike on a daily basis as a form of transportation. Cycling as a way to see a city is transformative,
as it allows you to absorb in a different way than you could walking or through motorized transport, and
really, there is no feeling like having a leisurely cycle through a bustling city.
We will provide multiple leaders on each bike tour so that we can provide the most comfortable biking
experience. Expert cycling skills aren't necessary, as long as you feel comfortable on a bike you will be all
set!
Team spirit: All students are expected to be helpful and pay attention to your fellow classmates, especially
in relation of the field trips and mapping/observation exercises. Sharing information and experiences is a
mandatory class room expectation: together we know more.
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability
Final Syllabus
Evaluation
20%
15%
20%
15%
30%
Engaged participation
Assignment 1 – Scavenger Hunt
Assignment 2 – Group Assignment, Temporary space activation (Berlin)
Observation and experience journal
Assignment 3 – Does the visual reality manifest socially?
Each student will be graded on the level of engagement in the class discussion and conversations in relation
to lectures as well as the field trips. To be eligible for a passing grade in this class, students must complete
all of the assigned work.
Course Assignments
There are three main assignment components for Visual Culture of Cities. The mapping and observation
exercises in the city’s urban spaces will be graded on the quality of the information gathered rather than a
specificness of the notation/sketching techniques. No former drawing/ diagramming skills are required. You
will gain tools throughout the course to critically observe and analyze public spaces and cultural
occurrences. The assignments will provide insight into human behavior and cultural phenomena.
Second, you will be asked to keep a reflection journal for the Berlin Study Tour. In this journal you will use
the tools learned in the first week as well as document your experiences and reflections. This journal
should reflect your personal style whether through the form of a blog, photography, writing, sketching, or
many other forms of media types. We encourage students to explore their visual interests through this
reflection journal.
Lastly, you will be given a group project for the week in Berlin. This project will be a hands on project. You
will be given a real life challenge to solve with your team and given a location in Berlin to explore as
context.
Policies
Attendance
You are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If you miss two classes the Director of Teaching
and Learning, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make
sure that all is well. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will be made
in cases of illness, but you will need to provide a doctor’s note.
Academic Honesty
DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS
assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic
dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home
universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in
electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more
information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.
Electronic Devices in the Classroom
The use of electronic devices is restricted to note-taking during lectures and field studies.
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability
Final Syllabus
Class Schedule
This schedule (including required reading) is subject to change.
Date
Day
Class topic + Reading
Who
THE CITY AS HUMAN HABITAT
13:30 –15:30
14.JUNE
TU
A&S
Intro to the class:
What constitutes a place? What represents your city?
Key concepts in the class.
Required Reading:
- Marc Augé, Non-Places. An introduction to super modernity,
Verso 1992, Chapter 4: From Places to Non-Places
- Henning Sten Møller, Copenhagen a love affair, Copenhagen
2003 chapter 1: Spatial Conventions.
Facades & History
-Facades & History, the CPH context lecture
Site Visit: Islands Brygge
Required Reading:
-Københavns kommune: A Short Description of Copenhagen, the
city’s structure and planning
Research the following styles and be prepared to discuss them
in class:
15.JUNE
W
A
10:00– 15:00
-
Romanesque
Gothic
Renaissance
Baroque
Rococo
Neoclassicism
Historicism
Modernism
Post-modernism
Assignment 1 hand out
Diversity & Democracy (BIKES!)
- How to read a neighborhood
16.JUNE
TH
A
10:00– 15:00
-walking tour through Nørrebro
Guest Guide – Gehl Architects
Artist Studio Visit – Science Friction
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability
Final Syllabus
Date
Day
Class topic + Reading
Who
Required Reading:
- Copenhagen Municipality. “Integrated Urban Renewal” 2012.
- Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point
Assignment 1 due
Visual Journaling
-Guest lecture and workshop with guest lecturer Courtney
Jensen on visual journaling tools and techniques
17.JUNE
F
A
10:00-13:00
Journal assignment handout
Berlin assignment 2 handout
Required Reading:
TBD
Check into hotel
20.JUNE
M
A&S
BERLIN
How cities remember walking tour
13:30 Lunch on own
Group Dinner Noctivagus
9:00 Queer Berlin, Schøneberg Walking Tour
21.JUNE
TU
A&S
BERLIN
12:00 Lunch at Reichstag
14:45 Graffiti Tour and workshop
Dinner on own
10:00 Bauhaus Archives
Lunch in Mitte
22.JUNE
W
A&S
BERLIN
1:30 Cold War Berlin walking tour
Dinner at Volt
Group Assignment all morning
23.JUNE
TH
A&S
BERLIN
2:30 Boros Collection
Evening Dinner & Drag Show at Theater im Keller
Check out of hotel
24.JUNE
F
A&S
BERLIN
Guest lecture by Berlin architects Triad
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability
Final Syllabus
Date
Day
Class topic + Reading
Who
Fly home
Group Presentations of Assignment 2
Lecture
Who presents the loudest voice in the city? The democratization
of Copenhagen, the gentrification approach.
27.JUNE
28.JUNE
29.JUNE
M
TU
W
A & S 10:00–12:00 Required Reading:
- blog.vandalog.com/2015/11/has-street-art-sold-out-andgentrified-our-cities/
- Danish Architectural Policy: Putting People First pg 24-32
- Bertie Ferdman, Urban Dramaturgy The Global Art Project of JR
Assignment 2 due
Assignment 3 hand out
GEHL DAY
Two guest lectures from Gehl Architects
- What makes people use urban spaces
A & S 10:00 –13:00 -Strategies for turning ghettos into better cities.
A&S
9:00-17:00
Required Reading:
- Gehl, Jan. “Life between buildings” 1987
- Gehl, Jan. “Cities for People”
Malmo Day (BIKES!)
-Bike Tour of Malmo – Tech boom and gentrification to cultural
zone
-Guest lecture by Mikael Nordlander
-Dinner in Malmo
Required Reading:
- Kevin Lynch: The Image of the City.
Visual Cues Lecture (BIKES!)
- Revisiting the signs of a city
30.JUNE
TH
A & S 10:00 –13:00
The good, the bad, the ugly
-Site Vitit: Ørestad
Required Reading:
- Planning as a heterosexist project
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability
Final Syllabus
Date
Day
Class topic + Reading
Who
Class Discussion and Reflection
The Spectrum
01.JULY
F
A & S 10:00 –14:00
Assignment 3 Due
Berlin Journal Assignment Due
This syllabus is subject to change.
Bicycle Urbanism | DIS | Disciplines: Urban Studies, Urban Design, Sustainability