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How a society creates and organizes its public spaces and structures reveals much about its cultural identity and values. In the midst of the myriad of experiences you will have in Europe, this assignment will require you to stop and ponder a few of those spaces and structures a bit more deliberately. Hopefully, this collection of reflective essays will become an important part of your semester's record. You will have great latitude in selecting the topics of your essays, but during the semester you will write six essays, choosing one example from at least four of the categories listed below. Keep a small notebook with you as we travel and jot down observations about those places that intrigue you. Then, every 2-3 weeks choose from among your observations the one topic on which you will write your formal essay. Your choices can be famous sites or obscure ones, it's up to you! Each essay should be 500 - 750 words long and should carefully describe your selection in detail: location, size, structure, colors, materials, historical period, condition, etc. Beyond the description of its features, however, you should also point toward what you find revealing or thought-provoking about it. What cultural values does this communicate? How does contemporary culture view this structure or space? Is it revered, ignored, maligned? How does it compare with others of its kind? One last note: some spaces and structures have a variety of roles. You may have to decide how to categorize your subject (which may be an interesting part of your essay). |
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| You should submit three essays to Dr. Fisk (to count for IS 116) and three essays to Dr. Pointer (for IS 117) according to the following schedule: | ||
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