Session D (Second 6-week session): July 8– August 16, 2013

How is spatial meaning created? How does art help to create and sustain meaning within public spaces? How can we approach and write about the relationship between art, space and memory? By combining a study of historical events, architectural and sculptural histories, along with a reading of theories related to memory, art and space, students will learn to write about how visual artifacts and space work together. Using Maya Lin’s Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. as a familiar point of reference, the course will teach the steps of analytical writing through the broader topic of art and space.
Along with an examination of memoirs and films, we will conduct close readings of writings by Le Febvre, de Certeau, Lynch, and Connerton. Some sites we will concentrate on across Asia include Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the Qutb Complex in Delhi, and Mount Kumgang in North Korea. Through various writing assignments, students will consider how collective memories can linger and challenge the official meanings of spaces. Through directed short assignments, students will learn the analytical skills needed to formulate strong arguments. Students will work collaboratively to enhance their knowledge of writing cohesive paragraphs and organized essays. There will also be extensive amount of time devoted to the revision process. The skill set taught in this course is applicable to different academic fields, as the emphasis is placed upon developing writing, analytical, and research skills.