Cori Greer-Banks’s Portfolio
Wanderlust has been a characteristic that accurately describes me; I have a tendency to get lost in cities, in books, in experiences, and in knowledge, but I always manage to emerge more energized and inspired than I was when I was “found”.
I am enjoying my first year at The Exploris School in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, teaching Humanities & Expedition to eighth grade students. Teaching first in Ramstein, Germany, then in Norfolk, Virginia, before moving to Raleigh, I understand, first-hand, the benefits of an education that encourages and fosters global collaboration and interconnectedness. My teaching career has amassed almost fifteen years— from teaching students in middle grades, to high school, and all the way through college freshmen. Though I love teaching all grades, I have a particular fondness for the craziness of middle school; this is where I feel most connected to students and the curriculum.
When I am not teaching, I love to travel with my husband Anthony, shop with my 21-year old daughter Corin (who is a junior at NC State), and philosophize on the state of the world with my 17-year old son, Yancy Jr (a junior at Middle Creek High School). After my adventures in Prague, I plan to visit Peru and Rwanda.
Wanderlust has been a characteristic that accurately describes me; I have a tendency to get lost in cities, in books, in experiences, and in knowledge, but I always manage to emerge more energized and inspired than I was when I was “found”.
I am enjoying my first year at The Exploris School in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, teaching Humanities & Expedition to eighth grade students. Teaching first in Ramstein, Germany, then in Norfolk, Virginia, before moving to Raleigh, I understand, first-hand, the benefits of an education that encourages and fosters global collaboration and interconnectedness. My teaching career has amassed almost fifteen years— from teaching students in middle grades, to high school, and all the way through college freshmen. Though I love teaching all grades, I have a particular fondness for the craziness of middle school; this is where I feel most connected to students and the curriculum.
When I am not teaching, I love to travel with my husband Anthony, shop with my 21-year old daughter Corin (who is a junior at NC State), and philosophize on the state of the world with my 17-year old son, Yancy Jr (a junior at Middle Creek High School). After my adventures in Prague, I plan to visit Peru and Rwanda.
Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (Plotagon)
Cultural Connections Project 1: Global Collaborative Project (Video Synopsis)
Cultural Connections Project 3: Experience-Based Travel Writing Based on Meetup Group or AirBnb City Experience (Post on Travel Blog)
Each generation wants new symbols, new people, new names. They want to divorce themselves from their predecessors.
- Jim Morrison
Eager to escape the fantasy and gaudiness of Old Town, I was looking forward to my AirBnb tour with Sin and An. Indeed, the dancing panda, scores of souvenir shops selling Czech paraphernalia undoubtedly made in China, and crowds of tourists angling for the best shot on the Charles Bridge propelled me to dart from the area of Prague affectionately dubbed by the locals as “Czech Disneyland” a bit too quickly.
Eager for escape, I walked off from the City Orientation tour after Kevin pointed north and told me to walk in that direction to find the metro. Perhaps I should have asked for for specifics, for I became lost and disoriented trying the navigate the metro tunnels. Fortunately, An (my AirBnb host) texted me (at this point I was ten minutes late) to check on me and make sure I was all right. He was an excellent guide, through text messaging, he directed me to take Metro B to Florenc and to jump onto Tram 3 to Karlinske Namesti where he would be waiting for me. I hadn’t met him yet in person, and already he calmed my nerves. Once I reached Karlin, I knew this was a tour like no other; An was waiting on a corner in a white shirt and shoulder bag- any other day I would have thought he was a college student on his way to class. I learned that I would not meet Sin; his friend moved to Munich a couple months ago and he would be showing me the neighborhood of Karlin solo. Once we met up with Vicky, a Brazilian-American visiting Prague from Miami, our little tour began. We first walked to the St. Cyril and Methodius Church. An made sure we knew not to confuse this with the St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, the site of the famous WWII battle. Walking around the church, An told us about a flood in 2002 that had wiped out many of the buildings in Karlin and caused a lot of damage to the church; you can still see the water levels on the stone bases within the chapel. This natural disaster caused real estate prices to plummet and developers bought up the properties around the church left and right. Since then, this neighborhood has been in a state of gentrification and urban renewal. Next, we went to this little bar called Charleston. It’s decor is modeled in the style of a 1930’s speakeasy; after An showed us the wine cellar (and a neat skeleton on display holding a trombone), we sat down at a table to talk over a glass of beer. I learned more about his upbringing in the Czech Republic- he parents were students who had met when they moved to Prague from Vietnam. He attended an international school in Prague before going to boarding school in England. After we finished our beer, he paid our tab and we moved on this coffee shop called Muj Salek Kavy, where I order a Summer Espresso Blend, he ordered a lemonade (because he doesn’t like coffee), and Vicky ordered juice. Sitting outside, sipping coffee, and talking about our different travels, I realized that the relaxed nature of this tour was unlike any organized tour I’ve ever attended. We stayed at that spot for about a half an hour before he paid our tab and we moved on. He showed us some beautiful outdoor spaces, the Butterfly Building, and then we went to the Forum Karin restaurant, a hip eatery inside a repurposed factory, where the three of us enjoyed Potato Ash Soup and a fermented soft drink while we talked about our lives. Next, we headed over to Kavarna Kocici, a cafe that caters to customers...and cats! An gave a tour of the cafe, and we enjoyed the cats for a few minutes. We did not stay to have coffee (I was not really comfortable having coffee with cats), so we ambled over to Dharmasala Tea House, a very unassuming place that served fine teas and celebrated Himalayan culture in the Karlin district. We stayed there almost 2 hours, sharing a pot of Chai tea as we talked about ambition and future plans. I learned that while An has just graduated with a degree in international diplomacy, his passion is in writing poetry, and wishes he had more time to devote to that; I told him he sounded like Kafka, and we delved into a pretty deep conversation about The Metamorphosis and the symbolism inherent in this story. We also talked about smoking addiction; An would like to quit, and Vicky shared her inspirational journey in kicking the habit; since I had never smoked a cigarette I listened and offered my support. By the time we left the tea house, we were all friends- we traded numbers and Facebook information. Not every tour can turn into something so initiate and relational, but I am very glad I had this opportunity to meet people while learning more about this little district of Prague called Karlin. |
Cultural Collections Project 1: Mapping Culture During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in World War II, Romani were exterminated by Nazi mobile killing units and in camps such as Lety, Hodonín and Auschwitz. 90% of native Romani were killed during the war; the Romani in modern-day Czech Republic are mostly post-war immigrants from Slovakia or Hungary and their descendants. It is not easy to find sites about Romani culture, whereas the Jewish community has many sources in which a tourist can learn more. |
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Cultural Collections Project 2: Timelining Culture (TimeMapper)
When I first learned I would be going to the Czech Republic with NCSU, I did some cursory research to find out some very basic facts regarding this little Eastern European country. Basically, all I knew was- beer, castles, and Eastern Europe. Man...there was so much I did not know! I was very surprised to learn that the country's demographics were 95% ethnically Czech! Wow, that was so strikingly different from the United States- a country composed of many different races and ethnicities; it motivated me to want to find out what life was like for the five percent that live in the minority in Czech Republic.
The largest minority in Czech Republic are the Roma. You might know them as "gypsies", but many in the Roma community see this term as as a racial epithet, suggesting inferiority, and for this reason I will not use the term here. They have a long and often turbulent history of life throughout Europe, and continue to face obstacles in attaining full rights and citizenship in many countries throughout the continent. In my research, it was surprising to learn that Adolf Hitler deemed these people, as well as the Jewish, as inferior, and laid out the groundwork for their extermination. Indeed, even in history books, it seems as if the persecution of the Jews get a lot of narrative, and we overlook the fact that some 1.5 million Romani people died in the Porajmos (this is the Roma word for Holocaust). This timeline is dedicated to their emigration out of India, and to their struggle for full recognition in the Czech Republic today. The site cannot be embedded here, so you will need to click on Romany in Czech Republic and open it in a new window...here is a screenshot though!
The largest minority in Czech Republic are the Roma. You might know them as "gypsies", but many in the Roma community see this term as as a racial epithet, suggesting inferiority, and for this reason I will not use the term here. They have a long and often turbulent history of life throughout Europe, and continue to face obstacles in attaining full rights and citizenship in many countries throughout the continent. In my research, it was surprising to learn that Adolf Hitler deemed these people, as well as the Jewish, as inferior, and laid out the groundwork for their extermination. Indeed, even in history books, it seems as if the persecution of the Jews get a lot of narrative, and we overlook the fact that some 1.5 million Romani people died in the Porajmos (this is the Roma word for Holocaust). This timeline is dedicated to their emigration out of India, and to their struggle for full recognition in the Czech Republic today. The site cannot be embedded here, so you will need to click on Romany in Czech Republic and open it in a new window...here is a screenshot though!
Cultural Collections Project 3: Curating Cultural Objects (FlipGrid)
Street art is a powerful form of expression, and a city's street art can tell people a lot about its identity: the people, its values, and its dissent against those in positions of authority. I led my students around downtown Raleigh this spring to analyze our city's murals and hypothesize what they might say about "The City of Oaks." I plan to document my travels and report back to my students about murals in Prague- I'd like to have them tell me how Prague is similar and different from Raleigh based on the ways in which the "streets" express themselves.
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Cultural Reflections Project 1: The Last Word, Czech education articles
Wow, I am struck how early children are tracked in the Czech education system. If I am reading this paragraph correctly this means a child's adult career path could be decided as early as ten years old. This would mean the student's primary years are critical, and the type of primary schools they attend could be the deciding factor on wether or not they head to vocational fields or classical fields. It is great to see that vocational fields seemed to be held in high regard in the Czech Republic.
Though this data is dated (2009-1010), it looks as if Czechs are still working to grow their citizens to educational levels on levels of the other European countries: their low achieving students are higher than EU benchmarks in Reading, Math, and Science. In the earlier article I read that more Czechs seek certifications in vocational fields- these stats in the low levels of higher education seems to correlate with that claim.
I am guessing that the country's years under the repressive Soviet Communist regime probably had a lot to do with the depressed educational statistics.
I am guessing that the country's years under the repressive Soviet Communist regime probably had a lot to do with the depressed educational statistics.
This article glossed over the years the Communist years; it is this period I am most interested in learning more about. What were schools like during this period? What were in their textbooks? How was a typical school day constructed? Vlckova's article, "Development of the Czech Education" left me with more questions.
Cultural Reflections Project 2: Czech Book Club
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was about to throw this whole book and the author in the trash- could not stand Tomas and Terzesa. They seemed such weak people in the first few chapters, and I had to get used to the fact that Kundera would occasionally pop out of the novel and talk to us (hey dude, how did you know we even wanted to talk to you), but as the novel drew on the plot and the Communist backdrop became more engrossing. I gave this book four stars because the characters were well-developed and I knew why I did not like Tomas and Tereza- they were vapid, lacked empathy, and self-absorbed. I kept reading on because I wanted to see how they died...and was disappointed when it did not happen hence the subtraction of the star. Sabina was unflinchingly honest and for that I appreciate this character and it gained a star; but Franz...oh Franz...how shall I describe Franz? He was just a sad little man who lived a sad little life and died in a sad little way.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was about to throw this whole book and the author in the trash- could not stand Tomas and Terzesa. They seemed such weak people in the first few chapters, and I had to get used to the fact that Kundera would occasionally pop out of the novel and talk to us (hey dude, how did you know we even wanted to talk to you), but as the novel drew on the plot and the Communist backdrop became more engrossing. I gave this book four stars because the characters were well-developed and I knew why I did not like Tomas and Tereza- they were vapid, lacked empathy, and self-absorbed. I kept reading on because I wanted to see how they died...and was disappointed when it did not happen hence the subtraction of the star. Sabina was unflinchingly honest and for that I appreciate this character and it gained a star; but Franz...oh Franz...how shall I describe Franz? He was just a sad little man who lived a sad little life and died in a sad little way.
View all my reviews
The Trial by Franz Kafka
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I feel bad because it is Kafka, and I think you're supposed to like Kafka because he is Kafka...but I did not like this one, and now people won't think I am smart at parties. Am I allowed to say I did not care for a Kafka book? Anyway, I digress.
This guy, who has a safe job with the government, is accused of some obscure crime and must go on trial. He claims his innocence, goes through the motions of the bureaucratic legal system, is beyond sure everything will work out, and the reader does too (at least I did), so I meander along waiting for the plot to progress...and it doesn't.
I think that is the point, hence my one extra star for Kafka effectively illustrating the frustrating inefficiency of government by having me waste my time waiting for something exciting to happen in this book. #thankskafka
View all my reviews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I feel bad because it is Kafka, and I think you're supposed to like Kafka because he is Kafka...but I did not like this one, and now people won't think I am smart at parties. Am I allowed to say I did not care for a Kafka book? Anyway, I digress.
This guy, who has a safe job with the government, is accused of some obscure crime and must go on trial. He claims his innocence, goes through the motions of the bureaucratic legal system, is beyond sure everything will work out, and the reader does too (at least I did), so I meander along waiting for the plot to progress...and it doesn't.
I think that is the point, hence my one extra star for Kafka effectively illustrating the frustrating inefficiency of government by having me waste my time waiting for something exciting to happen in this book. #thankskafka
View all my reviews
Jakob's Colours by Lindsay Hawdon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was beautifully written; Hawdon does a wonderful job painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind, "The cupboard doors are open, and there, hunched in the splintered darkness, are his companions, raw and slight, with hollowed jowls, and hair that is barely distinguishable from the jaundiced pallor of their skin. Too much hollowness. Too much bone."
However, her descriptive style is to the detriment of the storyline, and it feels stale in many places. The stories of Jakob (son), Yavy (dad), and Lor (mom) are supposed to be interwoven and connected, but it feels stunted, and I put the book down many times in fatigue. Stories about the Roma Porrajmos (the Devouring) need to be told to fully flesh out a full narrative of the Holocaust, but this one, while it paints beautiful pictures in my mind, bored me much of the time. The chapters would have been easier to follow if they would have just been titled: Lor, Yavy, and Jakob, instead of This Day, Before, and Long Before...that was very confusing and did not add to the story.
However, this novel does make me want to seek out more books about the Roma community.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was beautifully written; Hawdon does a wonderful job painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind, "The cupboard doors are open, and there, hunched in the splintered darkness, are his companions, raw and slight, with hollowed jowls, and hair that is barely distinguishable from the jaundiced pallor of their skin. Too much hollowness. Too much bone."
However, her descriptive style is to the detriment of the storyline, and it feels stale in many places. The stories of Jakob (son), Yavy (dad), and Lor (mom) are supposed to be interwoven and connected, but it feels stunted, and I put the book down many times in fatigue. Stories about the Roma Porrajmos (the Devouring) need to be told to fully flesh out a full narrative of the Holocaust, but this one, while it paints beautiful pictures in my mind, bored me much of the time. The chapters would have been easier to follow if they would have just been titled: Lor, Yavy, and Jakob, instead of This Day, Before, and Long Before...that was very confusing and did not add to the story.
However, this novel does make me want to seek out more books about the Roma community.
View all my reviews
Cultural Reflections Project 3: Czech Film Club
Cultural Reflections Project 4: Famous Czechs, Bio Poem (Pixlr)
"I walked out of the Czech music awards because Nazism does not belong in public life" |
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Cultural Reflections Project 5: Urban Neighborhood Analysis (from Field Research)
Cejl, Brno's Roma's district
After a thorough analysis of Prague and its ten districts, I quickly realized that the city was very gentrified- I could see no true places where poor people existed. Cautiously optimistic I thought, "The unemployment rate is really low in the Czech Republic, a shocking 2.4%...a statistic many countries can only dream of."
Could all of Czech Republic be this economic mecca we crave?
However, I was able to gain a deeper perspective while on a walking tour with Alternative Prague Tours. Sany, our tour guide, explained the transformation of Prague after the fall of communism. "Foreign investors came in and bought up all of the property within Prague."
Could all of Czech Republic be this economic mecca we crave?
However, I was able to gain a deeper perspective while on a walking tour with Alternative Prague Tours. Sany, our tour guide, explained the transformation of Prague after the fall of communism. "Foreign investors came in and bought up all of the property within Prague."
Indeed, most of Old Town, the churches around the city, and the new developments are owned by investors looking to cash in on a newly democratic Prague. Sany said this land grab took place during a time when local Czechs did not have the money to cash in- right after the fall of communism. This caused the poor to leave Prague in droves- they could not longer afford to live in a place with such exorbitant rents. As a result, there are almost NO locals that live in Prague 1, and only middle class locals can afford to live in the districts surrounding Old Town. Really wanting to explore a neighborhood that was different than the affluence I was experiencing in Prague, I knew I had to leave this touristy city. So I took a tram to Central station, bought a train ticket, and headed south to Brno, in the Southern Moravian Region. I found what I was looking for in Cejl, a district within Brno, Czech Republic.
The absence of crowds was the first thing I realized about Cejl; there was no one walking to take in the sights, eating at outdoor cafes (there were no outdoor cafes), nor anyone stopping to take pictures...except me. While cleaner than other cities I have visited in the past, I did notice an increase in trash and litter in the streets. Street art abound, it seemed more indicative of the local population and their everyday lives; I did not have enough context to know what some of the images meant. I kept seeing an image of a face all around the neighborhood- who is this person and what does this image represent for the people of the area? The absence of people was in stark contrast to my visit in Prague; I did not know what to expect, but I was intrigued, so I kept investigating.
The few people I observed seemed to be locals going from one apartment to the next, or kids meeting up with their friends. I received quite a few stares as well- I imagine a black women in this neighborhood is quite out of place. However, the lack of white faces was startling- after a week in Prague I thought most everyone in this country was white! It was quite a shock to realize I had stumbled into a Roma neighborhood, and I was eager to observe all I could without being intrusive. I saw groups of people congregating on stoops, many open windows in buildings, a young mom rocking her baby, and groups of boys walking together. A young boy and a girl rode their bikes in front of me as I walked the neighborhood, curiously looking back at me from time to time. I bet they wondered what the heck I was doing there.
While I was there, I spent an enjoyable couple hours in the Museum of Romani Kulture. Wondering why benefactors would put a museum in such a neighborhood, I learned this, "The museum is located in a socially deprived Romani area of Brno, so we also work with local children and young people, providing tutoring and improving the general standard of their education."
In the museum, I learned a lot about the history of the Romani in the Czech republic. I learned about their origins from northern India, about their early history throughout Europe, the devastation suffered during WWII, and about the social stigmas they still face today. It was illuminating- a lot of their history is similar to the discrimination and hardships African-American faced, and still face, in the United States today. Romanis also have a rich and varied culture- I highly recommend you go if you have the chance.
In the museum, I learned a lot about the history of the Romani in the Czech republic. I learned about their origins from northern India, about their early history throughout Europe, the devastation suffered during WWII, and about the social stigmas they still face today. It was illuminating- a lot of their history is similar to the discrimination and hardships African-American faced, and still face, in the United States today. Romanis also have a rich and varied culture- I highly recommend you go if you have the chance.
Karlin...a neighborhood in a state of renewal
It's a relief to hear the rain. It's the sound of billions of drops, all equal, all equally committed to falling, like a sudden outbreak of democracy. Water, when it hits the ground, instantly becomes a puddle or rivulet or flood. - Alice Oswald
A great flood, while tragic in the present, seems to have presented this little district of Prague a new beginning in hind sight. Welcome to Prague 8, or better known to the locals as, Karlín, a little slice of peaceful heaven away from the tourist traps and chaos of Old Town.
I knew I made the right choice to visit Karlín, after disembarking from Tram 3 at Karlínske Námešti stop, the surroundings and the people walking around were noticeably more tranquil. Gone were the large groups of people snapping endless pictures, kiosks selling Czech memorabilia made in China, and the ubiquitous “authentic” Absinthe bars, and it was noticeable to see strollers, families, and parks catering to residents of the neighborhood. My exploration of Karlín began at the St. Cyril and Methodius Church; it was sparsely populated with around a dozen people coming to pray, and it was peaceful to walk around and take in the ambiance. Back in 2002, the neighborhood suffered from a massive flood, and many of the buildings had to be reconstructed. The church still has the stone bases from the original structures, and you can see the highest level the water reached inside the main chapel area. If you stand outside its main doors, you can read a little bulletin board about the flood and the efforts that have been taken to rebuild Karlín and the church.
Before the flood, people were discouraged from going to Karlín; it was known as a poor area of Prague that was full of crime and disarray. During my research I learned it was mostly inhabited by members of the Roma community and factions of Neo-Nazis, making the area a powder keg of tension and conflict. I learned from a resident that it was a place his parents used to tell him to “never go to.” After the flood of 2002, many inhabitants had to move away, and the properties became ripe for investors and developers. You can see the gentrification of the neighborhood through its many construction projects; right next to a fully restored and shiny building you can still see abandoned and crumbling structures.
There was no hint of danger as I walked around and explored the neighborhood; indeed, I saw several school-aged groups of children on field trips, residents walking their dogs on the sidewalks, and young families pushing babies in strollers. Stopping first in this little restaurant called The Charleston, I observed my surroundings while enjoying the quintessential Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell. Directly across the street from me was an abandoned building, and just two buildings down was a shiny and modern structure.
This seemed to be the case as I visited several eateries- new construction was happening all around me as the old was washed out and replaced with the new. The neighborhood had a sort of hipster vibe without seeming kitschy, but one can see gentrification was in full swing here. As I enjoyed my Summer Espresso Blend at Muj šálek kávy, I noticed the many construction projects in full swing as room was being made for residents and office spaces. While there was a lot of construction going on, one cannot help but appreciate the green spaces that are seen in the nooks and crannies; it appears that city planners have taken great care to include green spaces in their ultimate vision of Karlín.
A great flood, while tragic in the present, seems to have presented this little district of Prague a new beginning in hind sight. Welcome to Prague 8, or better known to the locals as, Karlín, a little slice of peaceful heaven away from the tourist traps and chaos of Old Town.
I knew I made the right choice to visit Karlín, after disembarking from Tram 3 at Karlínske Námešti stop, the surroundings and the people walking around were noticeably more tranquil. Gone were the large groups of people snapping endless pictures, kiosks selling Czech memorabilia made in China, and the ubiquitous “authentic” Absinthe bars, and it was noticeable to see strollers, families, and parks catering to residents of the neighborhood. My exploration of Karlín began at the St. Cyril and Methodius Church; it was sparsely populated with around a dozen people coming to pray, and it was peaceful to walk around and take in the ambiance. Back in 2002, the neighborhood suffered from a massive flood, and many of the buildings had to be reconstructed. The church still has the stone bases from the original structures, and you can see the highest level the water reached inside the main chapel area. If you stand outside its main doors, you can read a little bulletin board about the flood and the efforts that have been taken to rebuild Karlín and the church.
Before the flood, people were discouraged from going to Karlín; it was known as a poor area of Prague that was full of crime and disarray. During my research I learned it was mostly inhabited by members of the Roma community and factions of Neo-Nazis, making the area a powder keg of tension and conflict. I learned from a resident that it was a place his parents used to tell him to “never go to.” After the flood of 2002, many inhabitants had to move away, and the properties became ripe for investors and developers. You can see the gentrification of the neighborhood through its many construction projects; right next to a fully restored and shiny building you can still see abandoned and crumbling structures.
There was no hint of danger as I walked around and explored the neighborhood; indeed, I saw several school-aged groups of children on field trips, residents walking their dogs on the sidewalks, and young families pushing babies in strollers. Stopping first in this little restaurant called The Charleston, I observed my surroundings while enjoying the quintessential Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell. Directly across the street from me was an abandoned building, and just two buildings down was a shiny and modern structure.
This seemed to be the case as I visited several eateries- new construction was happening all around me as the old was washed out and replaced with the new. The neighborhood had a sort of hipster vibe without seeming kitschy, but one can see gentrification was in full swing here. As I enjoyed my Summer Espresso Blend at Muj šálek kávy, I noticed the many construction projects in full swing as room was being made for residents and office spaces. While there was a lot of construction going on, one cannot help but appreciate the green spaces that are seen in the nooks and crannies; it appears that city planners have taken great care to include green spaces in their ultimate vision of Karlín.
Cultural Reflections Project 6: Czech Education Analysis (from Field Research)
From my observations at the Comenius Educational Museum, it seems as if the motivations behind classrooms renovations during the Socialist Era was to standardized schools in Czechoslovakia in effort to make sure all children learned the same and in the same conditions. While efforts during the first Republic Era took great measures to ensure classrooms received adequate light and ventilation, the latter seemed more focused on the physical aspects of a classroom, while the Socialistic Era seemed centered on creating a a system where all children learned the same things.
There were changes in both classrooms in terms of size and organization of the rooms themselves. During both eras the recommended size of a standard Czech classroom was not to exceed nor fall below 9 meters in length and 6 meters by width, however, the maximum number of students was reduced from 60 to 40 during the Socialist Era. This seems to suggest that decisions were made at the state levels to reduce the teacher to student ratio in effort to ensure each student had more learning time. This decision also encouraged cleanliness in classrooms which was an issue during the first Republic Era. Flooring was updated during the Socialist Era where wooden planks were replaced with linoleum. Classrooms still being heated by stoves were replaced with central heating, and it was now commonplace for all classrooms to contain sinks with running water.
During the Socialistic time period, more emphasis was placed on visual teaching aids; where maps, school pictures, slides, and movie projectors slowly edged out blackboards by the 1980’s. It is important to note that these visual aids promoted strong ties to Communist ideologies, including propaganda on workers’ occupations, the Red Army, and WWII resistance. It is important to note that not all of the classroom aids were driven by Communist ideologies; plenty of attention was given to neutral lessons in grammar, math, and science.
From my observations at the Comenius Educational Museum, it seems as if the motivations behind classrooms renovations during the Socialist Era was to standardized schools in Czechoslovakia in effort to make sure all children learned the same and in the same conditions. While efforts during the first Republic Era took great measures to ensure classrooms received adequate light and ventilation, the latter seemed more focused on the physical aspects of a classroom, while the Socialistic Era seemed centered on creating a a system where all children learned the same things.
There were changes in both classrooms in terms of size and organization of the rooms themselves. During both eras the recommended size of a standard Czech classroom was not to exceed nor fall below 9 meters in length and 6 meters by width, however, the maximum number of students was reduced from 60 to 40 during the Socialist Era. This seems to suggest that decisions were made at the state levels to reduce the teacher to student ratio in effort to ensure each student had more learning time. This decision also encouraged cleanliness in classrooms which was an issue during the first Republic Era. Flooring was updated during the Socialist Era where wooden planks were replaced with linoleum. Classrooms still being heated by stoves were replaced with central heating, and it was now commonplace for all classrooms to contain sinks with running water.
During the Socialistic time period, more emphasis was placed on visual teaching aids; where maps, school pictures, slides, and movie projectors slowly edged out blackboards by the 1980’s. It is important to note that these visual aids promoted strong ties to Communist ideologies, including propaganda on workers’ occupations, the Red Army, and WWII resistance. It is important to note that not all of the classroom aids were driven by Communist ideologies; plenty of attention was given to neutral lessons in grammar, math, and science.
Cultural Reflections Project 7: Czech Literature Analysis (from Field Research)
One morning, Tomas woke to find he was brown. The night before, he tossed and turned throughout the night- his dreams were disturbed and ridden with anxiety, and now he looked at his hands and feet with alarm. This skin, the color of the mocha cappuccino he ordered every morning on his way to work, was a far departure from his normal, beige and easily sunburned skin.“What has happened to me?” He thought. This was no dream, but the feelings remained. His room, large and properly outfitted, was a space befitting of a young professional of the millennial age. His Alexa sat atop a cedar wood dresser, ready to inform him of the day’s weather, and to deliver daily affirmations to boost his confidence as he dressed for work. Beside Alexa sat a framed picture of his fiancé, Theresa, her porcelain skin and blonde locks the envy of women all around, and the desires of men across the land.
Tomas’s glance quickly turned turned the window; Alexa had warned him before he fell asleep of a 90 percent chance of rain; indeed she was accurate, and as the gray clouds gathered, Tomas felt melancholy. “Perhaps if I sleep a bit longer I can forget about all of this craziness.” However, this idea was impractical;his thermostat was set to 68 degrees, and as the skies outside became tumultuous, his teeth began to chatter with chill, goosebumps began to form all over his body, and the thin sheet covering him became woefully inadequate. Flinging the sheet away from his body in frustration, he was startled to again see that his arms and legs were brown, and dismayed upon looking to his full full-length floor mirror that his whole body had morphed into that of a brown man.
“Shit,” he thought, “Why did I choose to be a professor? A thankless job, entitled students needing more and more hand-holding year after year, and endless papers to grade. The stress associated with teaching undergraduates are much greater than researching, and in addition to teaching, I must deal with hovering parents, budget cuts, and competition within the department. To hell with all of it!”
He look over at his iPhone, it was half past six, and time was steady moving on. His first class would start promptly at eight, he’d need to get up and dress if he was to make it on time. The midterm exams sat in a neat stack on his desk, where they’ve been since Friday afternoon. He hadn't felt particularly motivated to grade them, and now that it is Monday morning he felt a sense of panic. His students would surely ask for their results, and he’d have to think of an excuse as to why they weren't graded. He’d certainly strike the nerves of the department chair, and perhaps even have to have a conversation with the curriculum dean. He was low on the faculty totem pole; after earning his doctorate only last June, he was barely higher than that of an adjunct.
Maybe he should cancel classes today and call in sick. He was besieged with guilt; he had only just started with the university this fall, and never canceled classes before. As he continued to lay in bed, lost within his indecision, unable to make the choice to get up to prepare for work, there was a cautious knock on his bedroom door.
“Mr. Tomas,” a voice called (it was his cleaning lady), “It is a quarter to seven. Do you still want your bedroom cleaned today?” The meekness, the deference to his whims! Toms was startled with the voice that came from his throat; it contained remnants of his earlier voice, but he now detected elements of fatigue and struggle, as if defeated, but rife with edge and defiance. Tomas wanted to give her a detailed explanation, but he reduced his answer to, “That’ll be quite all right, Marisa, you can skip the bedroom this week. See you next Monday.”
He wanted to consider all of his options undisturbed; more than anything he wanted to have breakfast, and to consider what further actions he needed to take. Perhaps his dreams have carried over into his waking state, and when he stood up his present fantasies would dissipate. The change in his voice was surely a result the result of the change in weather, and the grueling schedule of the current semester left him abnormally stressed and anxious.
Suddenly, there was another voice at his door, insistent and insecure all at the same time, “Tomas, why haven't you answered any of my calls? Your location has had you here at the apartment all morning- shouldn’t you have left for work by now?” It was Theresa- she checked his location faithfully every morning to make sure he hadn't hooked up with anyone from Tinder; she was concerned he hadn't yet left for work and must have come over to check up on him. She knocked on his door with insistence, “Tomas, why have you locked your door? Is someone in there with you? I demand you open the door right now!”
“I’m coming right away,” said Tomas slowly and deliberately, “I am opening the door immediately, this very moment. I had some bad dreams the night before, and it has left me feeling very disoriented this morning. Things are not exactly going as planned, but they are all right, I am in overall good health and must shake this silly anxiety soI can go on to work. It really is good of you to come over here Theresa- we can have a spot of breakfast and take the train into the city together. Quite smart of you actually.”
Tomas slowly unlocks and open the door, and Theresa fails straight away.
One morning, Tomas woke to find he was brown. The night before, he tossed and turned throughout the night- his dreams were disturbed and ridden with anxiety, and now he looked at his hands and feet with alarm. This skin, the color of the mocha cappuccino he ordered every morning on his way to work, was a far departure from his normal, beige and easily sunburned skin.“What has happened to me?” He thought. This was no dream, but the feelings remained. His room, large and properly outfitted, was a space befitting of a young professional of the millennial age. His Alexa sat atop a cedar wood dresser, ready to inform him of the day’s weather, and to deliver daily affirmations to boost his confidence as he dressed for work. Beside Alexa sat a framed picture of his fiancé, Theresa, her porcelain skin and blonde locks the envy of women all around, and the desires of men across the land.
Tomas’s glance quickly turned turned the window; Alexa had warned him before he fell asleep of a 90 percent chance of rain; indeed she was accurate, and as the gray clouds gathered, Tomas felt melancholy. “Perhaps if I sleep a bit longer I can forget about all of this craziness.” However, this idea was impractical;his thermostat was set to 68 degrees, and as the skies outside became tumultuous, his teeth began to chatter with chill, goosebumps began to form all over his body, and the thin sheet covering him became woefully inadequate. Flinging the sheet away from his body in frustration, he was startled to again see that his arms and legs were brown, and dismayed upon looking to his full full-length floor mirror that his whole body had morphed into that of a brown man.
“Shit,” he thought, “Why did I choose to be a professor? A thankless job, entitled students needing more and more hand-holding year after year, and endless papers to grade. The stress associated with teaching undergraduates are much greater than researching, and in addition to teaching, I must deal with hovering parents, budget cuts, and competition within the department. To hell with all of it!”
He look over at his iPhone, it was half past six, and time was steady moving on. His first class would start promptly at eight, he’d need to get up and dress if he was to make it on time. The midterm exams sat in a neat stack on his desk, where they’ve been since Friday afternoon. He hadn't felt particularly motivated to grade them, and now that it is Monday morning he felt a sense of panic. His students would surely ask for their results, and he’d have to think of an excuse as to why they weren't graded. He’d certainly strike the nerves of the department chair, and perhaps even have to have a conversation with the curriculum dean. He was low on the faculty totem pole; after earning his doctorate only last June, he was barely higher than that of an adjunct.
Maybe he should cancel classes today and call in sick. He was besieged with guilt; he had only just started with the university this fall, and never canceled classes before. As he continued to lay in bed, lost within his indecision, unable to make the choice to get up to prepare for work, there was a cautious knock on his bedroom door.
“Mr. Tomas,” a voice called (it was his cleaning lady), “It is a quarter to seven. Do you still want your bedroom cleaned today?” The meekness, the deference to his whims! Toms was startled with the voice that came from his throat; it contained remnants of his earlier voice, but he now detected elements of fatigue and struggle, as if defeated, but rife with edge and defiance. Tomas wanted to give her a detailed explanation, but he reduced his answer to, “That’ll be quite all right, Marisa, you can skip the bedroom this week. See you next Monday.”
He wanted to consider all of his options undisturbed; more than anything he wanted to have breakfast, and to consider what further actions he needed to take. Perhaps his dreams have carried over into his waking state, and when he stood up his present fantasies would dissipate. The change in his voice was surely a result the result of the change in weather, and the grueling schedule of the current semester left him abnormally stressed and anxious.
Suddenly, there was another voice at his door, insistent and insecure all at the same time, “Tomas, why haven't you answered any of my calls? Your location has had you here at the apartment all morning- shouldn’t you have left for work by now?” It was Theresa- she checked his location faithfully every morning to make sure he hadn't hooked up with anyone from Tinder; she was concerned he hadn't yet left for work and must have come over to check up on him. She knocked on his door with insistence, “Tomas, why have you locked your door? Is someone in there with you? I demand you open the door right now!”
“I’m coming right away,” said Tomas slowly and deliberately, “I am opening the door immediately, this very moment. I had some bad dreams the night before, and it has left me feeling very disoriented this morning. Things are not exactly going as planned, but they are all right, I am in overall good health and must shake this silly anxiety soI can go on to work. It really is good of you to come over here Theresa- we can have a spot of breakfast and take the train into the city together. Quite smart of you actually.”
Tomas slowly unlocks and open the door, and Theresa fails straight away.
Cultural Reflections Project 8: Czech Art/Visual Analysis (from Field Research)
You will be visiting the Kampa modern art museum in Prague with a guided tour of the collection followed by free time to explore. During your free time in this field research, we would like you to find at least two pieces of art from Czech artists to engage in some visual thinking. Ideally you will select the same pieces of art as a few other classmates, as this visual thinking process is best engaged in small groups. You will go through the visual thinking protocol twice, once for each piece of art. This museum does not allow electronic devices or pens, so please bring this piece of paper and a pencil for taking notes. Later, post a reflection based on your notes to your portfolio on Weebly--what did you see today, how was that art analyzed and described by you and your peers, and what does it reveal about Czech culture?
Out of all of the artists we studied while at the Kampa museum, Rudolf Nemec’s artistry was most striking, most provocative in nature. Observers had an immediate reaction to his work, especially his work of the 1960s. His art during this decade took on a somber and lonely tone; they evoked images of humans in conflicts with themselves and their identity. His use of human imprints helped to convey this sense- I was reminded of an x-ray machine or a CAT scan when I observed his earlier works. However, instead of looking at the inside of a human body, these imprints made me feel as if I was looking inside of human souls, of their thoughts and feelings, and of their attitudes towards one another. Though I am reluctant to attribute the works and motivations of one artist against the backdrop of a nation, Nemec’s work does give me a few insights into Czech culture. His work of the 60s reveal a culture that is struggling to define who they are, a people eager to examine their identity in effort to be recognized. When you think of a country who language, customs, and heritage had been stripped in deference in Mother Russia, this makes perfect sense. In short, Nemec’s early work clearly shows a nation in flux.
When I reached the second floor, I was in shock. I really could not believe I was looking at the same artist. Gone were the combed blacks, browns, and chalk paints, and we are surrounded by bright yellows and reds and blues.I see an artist that wants to play with traditional forms of art like the Mona Lisa or Monet. I see an artist that is inspired by the feminine form and various poses, and I see an artist that experiments with geometric shapes. This bright art was created during the 70s and the 80s, and as the Communist regime is beginning to crumble, I see Czech culture emerging from the ashes and trying to reassert themselves to the world. As they begin to piece together the story of who they are, we play with other models until they find their own unique identity. I am left with some questions though: Where are Nemec’s work the 80s, 90s, and beyond? What do his paintings continue to say about Czech culture? Does it gives any hints to his future?
You will be visiting the Kampa modern art museum in Prague with a guided tour of the collection followed by free time to explore. During your free time in this field research, we would like you to find at least two pieces of art from Czech artists to engage in some visual thinking. Ideally you will select the same pieces of art as a few other classmates, as this visual thinking process is best engaged in small groups. You will go through the visual thinking protocol twice, once for each piece of art. This museum does not allow electronic devices or pens, so please bring this piece of paper and a pencil for taking notes. Later, post a reflection based on your notes to your portfolio on Weebly--what did you see today, how was that art analyzed and described by you and your peers, and what does it reveal about Czech culture?
Out of all of the artists we studied while at the Kampa museum, Rudolf Nemec’s artistry was most striking, most provocative in nature. Observers had an immediate reaction to his work, especially his work of the 1960s. His art during this decade took on a somber and lonely tone; they evoked images of humans in conflicts with themselves and their identity. His use of human imprints helped to convey this sense- I was reminded of an x-ray machine or a CAT scan when I observed his earlier works. However, instead of looking at the inside of a human body, these imprints made me feel as if I was looking inside of human souls, of their thoughts and feelings, and of their attitudes towards one another. Though I am reluctant to attribute the works and motivations of one artist against the backdrop of a nation, Nemec’s work does give me a few insights into Czech culture. His work of the 60s reveal a culture that is struggling to define who they are, a people eager to examine their identity in effort to be recognized. When you think of a country who language, customs, and heritage had been stripped in deference in Mother Russia, this makes perfect sense. In short, Nemec’s early work clearly shows a nation in flux.
When I reached the second floor, I was in shock. I really could not believe I was looking at the same artist. Gone were the combed blacks, browns, and chalk paints, and we are surrounded by bright yellows and reds and blues.I see an artist that wants to play with traditional forms of art like the Mona Lisa or Monet. I see an artist that is inspired by the feminine form and various poses, and I see an artist that experiments with geometric shapes. This bright art was created during the 70s and the 80s, and as the Communist regime is beginning to crumble, I see Czech culture emerging from the ashes and trying to reassert themselves to the world. As they begin to piece together the story of who they are, we play with other models until they find their own unique identity. I am left with some questions though: Where are Nemec’s work the 80s, 90s, and beyond? What do his paintings continue to say about Czech culture? Does it gives any hints to his future?
Cultural Reflections Project 9: Czech Site Analysis, Site-Based Travel Writing (Post on Travel Blog)
If you are staying Prague longer than a week, consider taking a day trip to the southern region of Moravia and spending it in Brno, the 2nd largest city in Czech Republic. Buying a train ticket is pretty easy in Prague, and getting there is even easier. The night before, I did my research, mapped out my route, calculated my fare, and created my itinerary to Brno. The next morning, I woke, packed a few snacks for my travels, and hopped on Tram 9, which took me all the way to Hlavní nádraží (this is Czech for “Central Station”). Once there, I walked through the park affectionately known by Czech locals as “Sherwood Forest,” and entered the train station.
Tickets to Brno are relatively cheap; it cost me 179 CZK for a one-way ticket there- that equates to roughly 8 US dollars. Brno is nearly three hours southwest of Prague via train, so it is best to settle in for a nice ride. I loved taking the train; the seats were comfy, the train car was sparsely populated, and it was serene sipping on my cappuccino and munching on my croissant. Looking out onto the Czech scenery was a treat in and of itself...I did not realize I was on the train for three hours.
When the train reached Brno, I was bit apprehensive; there was no tour guide meeting me there, and I knew no one. Luckily, Czech Republic is a very safe country, and Brno was no exception. Brno is seeped with color and spectacle- without all of the gimmicks and tourist traps of Prague. Surrounded by locals and travelers backpacking throughout Europe, I exited the train station listening to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You being played via clarinet by a lonely musician. I felt like I was being welcomed into Brno.
Brno is a pretty walkable city, and if you have a good Maps app on your phone (I prefer Apple Maps when walking), then you are good to go trekking Brno by foot. My first stop, the Museum of Romani Kulture, a 22-minute walk from Brno’s central train station, is the only museum in the Czech Republic where you can go to learn about the story of the Roma and its culture. Situated in the economically and socially depressed district of Cejl, your immersion into the past and present of the Roma community cannot get any more real than this. Be prepared to spend at least two hours in there; the collection is vast and wonderfully interactive. Not a lot of attention is given to the Romany’s genocide during WWII, but the Czech Republic lost 90% of the local Roma to the Holocaust; most present-day Roma have come from neighboring countries such as Hungary and Slovakia.
After an excellent visit through the museum, I walked sixteen minutes in the direction of the city’s center, where I was positive I’d find something good to eat. I was not disappointed- I had a yummy, and spicy açaí bowl from Forky’s, a hip vegan restaurant that specializes in vegan salads while playing hip hop music. I did not think I ever eat a spicy açaí bowl while listening to Frank Ocean and Kanye West, but I did... and I liked it!
After a great lunch at Forky’s, I walked across the street to Aida, and scarfed down a delicious pistachio gelato sundae, which was a great finishing touch to a sublimely perfect and solo day. I tried my luck at catching a marble at Brno’s Astronomical Clock (no such luck), and walked 17 minutes back to the central train station, where I bought a $9 train ticket back to Prague. By the time I returned to my hotel room, I felt refreshed and filled with new knowledge. Brno will always have my love.
If you are staying Prague longer than a week, consider taking a day trip to the southern region of Moravia and spending it in Brno, the 2nd largest city in Czech Republic. Buying a train ticket is pretty easy in Prague, and getting there is even easier. The night before, I did my research, mapped out my route, calculated my fare, and created my itinerary to Brno. The next morning, I woke, packed a few snacks for my travels, and hopped on Tram 9, which took me all the way to Hlavní nádraží (this is Czech for “Central Station”). Once there, I walked through the park affectionately known by Czech locals as “Sherwood Forest,” and entered the train station.
Tickets to Brno are relatively cheap; it cost me 179 CZK for a one-way ticket there- that equates to roughly 8 US dollars. Brno is nearly three hours southwest of Prague via train, so it is best to settle in for a nice ride. I loved taking the train; the seats were comfy, the train car was sparsely populated, and it was serene sipping on my cappuccino and munching on my croissant. Looking out onto the Czech scenery was a treat in and of itself...I did not realize I was on the train for three hours.
When the train reached Brno, I was bit apprehensive; there was no tour guide meeting me there, and I knew no one. Luckily, Czech Republic is a very safe country, and Brno was no exception. Brno is seeped with color and spectacle- without all of the gimmicks and tourist traps of Prague. Surrounded by locals and travelers backpacking throughout Europe, I exited the train station listening to Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You being played via clarinet by a lonely musician. I felt like I was being welcomed into Brno.
Brno is a pretty walkable city, and if you have a good Maps app on your phone (I prefer Apple Maps when walking), then you are good to go trekking Brno by foot. My first stop, the Museum of Romani Kulture, a 22-minute walk from Brno’s central train station, is the only museum in the Czech Republic where you can go to learn about the story of the Roma and its culture. Situated in the economically and socially depressed district of Cejl, your immersion into the past and present of the Roma community cannot get any more real than this. Be prepared to spend at least two hours in there; the collection is vast and wonderfully interactive. Not a lot of attention is given to the Romany’s genocide during WWII, but the Czech Republic lost 90% of the local Roma to the Holocaust; most present-day Roma have come from neighboring countries such as Hungary and Slovakia.
After an excellent visit through the museum, I walked sixteen minutes in the direction of the city’s center, where I was positive I’d find something good to eat. I was not disappointed- I had a yummy, and spicy açaí bowl from Forky’s, a hip vegan restaurant that specializes in vegan salads while playing hip hop music. I did not think I ever eat a spicy açaí bowl while listening to Frank Ocean and Kanye West, but I did... and I liked it!
After a great lunch at Forky’s, I walked across the street to Aida, and scarfed down a delicious pistachio gelato sundae, which was a great finishing touch to a sublimely perfect and solo day. I tried my luck at catching a marble at Brno’s Astronomical Clock (no such luck), and walked 17 minutes back to the central train station, where I bought a $9 train ticket back to Prague. By the time I returned to my hotel room, I felt refreshed and filled with new knowledge. Brno will always have my love.