Stephanie Humphrey's Portfolio Page
Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie Humphreys. I love coffee shops, photography, languages, and will travel an unreasonable amount of distance to find a good bowl of ramen in North Carolina.
Some info about me: ELL Teacher at Lucas Middle and Carrington Middle (Bull City!) BA in History from UNC, MAT in ESL from NCSU. JET Alumni I'm thrilled to be part of this group, and can't wait to learn about the Czech Republic with other Triangle teachers and the awesome N.C.State School of Education. Twitter: @sa_humphreys GoodReads |
PROJECTS:
Cultural Connections Project 1: Two Travel Writing Pieces
Experience-Based Travel Writing Piece:
Classical Music Close-Up Walking around the city, it’s evident that music is a big part of the city’s cultural life - you can hear music students practicing for their final exams walking through Old Town, see posters advertising concerts at small clubs and giant stadiums, and there’s at least 13 music festivals listed for this summer alone. Of course, Prague comes to this with a long history of music - Antonín Dvořák is probably the most well known classical composer from the Czech Republic, and underground jazz and bluegrass radio continued throughout the Soviet occupation. The Air BnB Experience “Classical Music Close-Up” was a chance to experience a small taste of this musical heritage. We met at the steps of the Rudolfinum, home to the Czech Philharmonic. Our tour guide lead us through the employee entrance, up many flights of stairs, and finally, onto the roof of the building. We learned about the statues of the famous Czech musicians lining the roof. In addition, we were able to try some of the honey from the beehives on the roof! The bees were especially interesting - the interior and exterior of the building are decorated with bees, apparently as a clever marketing scheme by the banking company who financed the building (whose logo, of course, was the bee). In the past few years, however, bee keeping has become fashionable in town, leading the Philharmonic to ut some beehives on the roof. It was an interesting mix into old and new marketing and fashion in the city. Finally, we went back downstairs to hear a performance from the Czech Baroque Ensemble, comprised of members from the Czech Philharmonic. They played a wide range of baroque music. They clearly enjoyed the music and had been playing together for a long time, and the oboe player, in particular, was fantastic. I also found it interesting that the price of the tickets was quite reasonable - much more accessible than classical music performances in the United States. This experience was a wonderful taste of music in Prague, and I’m already looking forward to my next experience - checking out the Jazz Fest next week! |
Site-Based Travel Writing Piece:
Jewish Quarter of Prague On Thursday morning, July 5th, a group of us did a tour of the Jewish quarter - the Pinkas synagogue, Old Jewish Cemetery, Maisel Synagogue, etc. While we could have walked each site ourselves, having our tour guide, Hana, made all the difference. In particular, I was struck about how she talked about each place. Everything was “our” and “we,” not “them” - these buildings weren’t old, disused places, but a living part of their daily life and community. She mentioned the community kitchen that serves it’s survivors in the nursing home, as well as the wheelchair lift in the Jewish school and Torah that was fundraised by the community. In addition, she noted that as a resident she could have access to the Old Jewish Cemetery and other locations after they were closed for tourists. However, she also addressed the continuing effects of the war. There is increased division within the different Jewish communities in the quarter. Also, while many of the relics and buildings were recovered after the war, so many people had been murdered that sometimes they don’t have enough people to hold services. On our tour of the Old Jewish Cemetery, we were behind a tour group from Israel, who stopped at several important headstones to pray. Again, it was impactful to recognize the life and significance of these places. The most moving part of the tour for me was in a small room at the top of the Pinkas Synagogue, which had a small exhibit of artwork made by children at Terezin. The incredible work, led by artist Friedl Dicker-Brandeis, was a bold clandestine educational program for the children at Terezin, and, in many ways, also acted as therapy and processing for the children there. The exhibit was haunting, but necessary - a legacy and voice to the children. |
Cultural Connections Project 2: Scripted Duologue (Plotagon Animation)
Cultural Collections Project 1: Mapping Cultural Themes (Clio)
At 61 years old, Hotel Jalta is fairly young by Prague's standards. However, it's Cold War history marks it as a UNESCO Czech heritage site.
Architecturally, the facade of Hotel Jalta is a clear example of Stalinist architecture, with it's square shape and uniform windows. However, it's functionalist influence by Czechoslovakian architect Antonin Tenzer shows up in it's interior. Additionally, the stonework on the facade was overseen by Czechoslovakian president Antonín Zápotocký, who also commisioned the building. Most unique about the building is the fall-out shelter located in the basement, which was only revealed to the public in 1990 after the end of the Soviet Occupation. This fall-out shelter is notable for it's size: it was built to hold 250 people, and included kitchens, living areas and offices. In addition to it's use as a fall-out shelter, the basement was also used during the Soviet Occupation as a communication center for the secret police. Since many foreign guests were visitors of this hotel, the secret police wire-tapped and followed conversations in the hotel rooms. 61 years later, this location is still an operating hotel (Jalta Boutique Hotel), and the former underground bunker is home to the "Cold War Museum," where guests can take tours of the former bunker. As an example of Socialist Realism architecture and a glimpse into Soviet Occupation era history, Hotel Jalta is a significant location. |
Cultural Collections Project 2: Curating Cultural Themes (Padlet)
Padlet : Cultural Research Project
Cultural Collections Project 3: Neighborhood Analysis (Weebly Slide Show)
Preparing for my trip to Prague, it seemed like every article had an opinion on Letna, a small neighborhood in Prague 7, so I was excited to go explore it for myself. Letna is fairly small, a quick 15 minute walk from one end to the other, especially when compared to it’s bigger and more industrial sister, Holesovice.
Strossmayerovo Namesti is the main tram stops in Letna, and as a result seemed to be a meeting place for young families, friends, and business people. Centered in the square was the Church of Saint Anthony, flanked by some smaller shops. While busy, it was still noticeably quiet compared to Old Town and Mala Strana.
Going up the hill away from the church is Cobra Bar, an example of the “hipster” neighborhood articles described. Replacing a former slot machine den, Cobra Bar uses local ingredients and puts a fresh take on Czech classics and other popular bar foods. Another favorite food place in Letna I visited was Cuckrarna Alchymista, a wonderful local and family-owned cafe, with excellent coffee and a garden tucked away in the back. All of these places are fairly new, and represents the shift of Letna from an industrial center to trendy district.
In addition to these restaurants, Letna is also known for Letna park, with yet another fantastic food place, Letna Beer Garden, and some of the best views of the city. While it’s a small neighborhood, it seems like it has everything for residents - from schools, residences and shops to use without ever leaving the area.
In many ways, Letna reminded me of downtown Durham, and the rapid gentrification of the area. Like Letna, downtown Durham would have been avoided seven years ago, but is now the “New York of the South.” In Durham, the rapid change clearly impacts my students and community: great companies and shops are opening, but generational families are being pushed out because of the high cost of rent. With Letna, people seem to be wrestling with the idea, with Cobra’s owner arguing against gentrification, noting that their prices remain very accessible and academic discussions centered around the topic. It will be curious to see how Letna continues to develop in the next few years.
Strossmayerovo Namesti is the main tram stops in Letna, and as a result seemed to be a meeting place for young families, friends, and business people. Centered in the square was the Church of Saint Anthony, flanked by some smaller shops. While busy, it was still noticeably quiet compared to Old Town and Mala Strana.
Going up the hill away from the church is Cobra Bar, an example of the “hipster” neighborhood articles described. Replacing a former slot machine den, Cobra Bar uses local ingredients and puts a fresh take on Czech classics and other popular bar foods. Another favorite food place in Letna I visited was Cuckrarna Alchymista, a wonderful local and family-owned cafe, with excellent coffee and a garden tucked away in the back. All of these places are fairly new, and represents the shift of Letna from an industrial center to trendy district.
In addition to these restaurants, Letna is also known for Letna park, with yet another fantastic food place, Letna Beer Garden, and some of the best views of the city. While it’s a small neighborhood, it seems like it has everything for residents - from schools, residences and shops to use without ever leaving the area.
In many ways, Letna reminded me of downtown Durham, and the rapid gentrification of the area. Like Letna, downtown Durham would have been avoided seven years ago, but is now the “New York of the South.” In Durham, the rapid change clearly impacts my students and community: great companies and shops are opening, but generational families are being pushed out because of the high cost of rent. With Letna, people seem to be wrestling with the idea, with Cobra’s owner arguing against gentrification, noting that their prices remain very accessible and academic discussions centered around the topic. It will be curious to see how Letna continues to develop in the next few years.
Cultural Collections Project 4: Museum Artifact Analysis (Voicethread)
Cultural Reflections Project 1: Czech Education System, "The Last Word" Discussion
On March 23rd, during our first Czech CCR meeting at NC State University, we discussed the article: " Education System in the Czech Republic" by the Czech Ministry of Education. Learning about other country's educational systems is always fascinating and useful, because it is a reminder that what we consider best practices or useful format, isn't universal, and provides multiple perspectives of what education schooling, should look like. Additonally, learning about a country's educational system can give insight into what the country values and deems important.
Personally, I was most interested in the Czech Republic's focus on vocational schools, which seem much more numerous and well developed as the pathways in the United States. Also of interest was that the Czech Republic's Ministry of Education has an office dedicated to sports and recreation. In my district, at least, recess is almost impossible, except for elementary grades. I wonder how the focus on physical activity impacts the students' academic achievement, as well as their appreciaton for the outdoors.
This article was extremely useful in providing a birds eye view of the educational system (as the name implies), but I am now interested in learning more about the pedagogical aspects of the classroom: What is an everyday school day like? Homework policies? Involvement of parents in educational decisions? As we continue this research and experience our trip, this is an area that I'd like to learn more about.
Personally, I was most interested in the Czech Republic's focus on vocational schools, which seem much more numerous and well developed as the pathways in the United States. Also of interest was that the Czech Republic's Ministry of Education has an office dedicated to sports and recreation. In my district, at least, recess is almost impossible, except for elementary grades. I wonder how the focus on physical activity impacts the students' academic achievement, as well as their appreciaton for the outdoors.
This article was extremely useful in providing a birds eye view of the educational system (as the name implies), but I am now interested in learning more about the pedagogical aspects of the classroom: What is an everyday school day like? Homework policies? Involvement of parents in educational decisions? As we continue this research and experience our trip, this is an area that I'd like to learn more about.
Cultural Reflections Project 2: Cultural Writing
https://prezi.com/view/oFK65CXtWprYWVIbdsNZ/
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Cultural Reflections Project 3: Czech Film Review
The stereotypical image of the Soviet Era is cold and stern: harsh flourescent lighting, large, concrete monuments, stern faces. But Jan Svěrák's 1996 film Kolya (Czech: Kolja) couldn't be more different, infused with an irreverance and humor that is echoed in the warm yellows, browns and reds of the film.
Of course, the warm tones of the film belie a more challenging reality, especially at the start of the film. Louka (played by the director's father, Zdenek Sverák), is a struggling cellist, caught in an endless loop of playing funeral services and picking up side gigs of painting gravestones after writing a cheeky answer on a official form, getting him kicked out of the national philharmonic. In addition, his social life is struggling as well- he is a loner and a womanizer with a complicated relationship with an on again off again girlfriend from work. Things are made even more difficult when Kolya (Andrej Chalimon), a young Russian boy, is abandoned on Louka's doorstep. While watching this film, it's not hard to guess where it is heading, and indeed, the plot develops just as you might think: slowly and surely, with some funny breaks, Louka and Kolya gradually learn to trust and enjoy each other's company. While the plot is certainly obvious, what makes it wonderful is the detailed portrayal of life at the sunset of the Soviet occupation. In particular, the focus on language and irony is fascinating, frequently highlighting the tension between Russia and the Czech Republic. Louka, for example, refuses to learn Russian, but chides Kolya to understand as he begrundingly notes the similarities between the two languages. In other scenes, Louka lies to his mother about Kolya's name. In another scene, Louka's mother gruffly turns down a group of Russian soldiers looking for water, only to have Kolya run up to them and begin an animated and friendly conversation, fluently in Russian. As the film ends, the Velvet Revolution bursts onto the streets of Prague. As Louka and students shout and celebrate the ending of the Soviet Occupation and start of a new future, Louka is also celebrating a new start for himself. It's been more than twenty years since Kolya earned the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, still the only Czech Republic film to do so. It remains a lovely film to watch: beautifully shot, funny, and a smart look into the Czech Republic on the eve of a new beginning. |
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Cultural Reflections Project 4: Czech Book Review
Since I teach middle school, I’m always looking for good YA reads for my students, so when choosing a book for the Czech Book Review, The Alchemist and The Angel by Joanne Owen stood out. I knew the macabre drawings on the cover would appeal to my students, and thought it would be an interesting representation of Prague.
Set in 16th Century Prague, this book follows a young boy, Jan, who begins a sinister adventure after being sent to live with his mysterious uncle, Gustav. After Gustav dies under mysterious circumstances, it is up to Jan to continue his work and figure out who is causing all his problems. My favorite part of this story were the mini folk tales and gothic style illustrations that were interspersed throughout the book, which added character and dimension to this story. Unfortunately, I found the rest of the narrative a bit heavy and bulky, which lead to a slightly rushed ending. I had expected this book to be for YA audiences, but I think it’s geared towards younger audiences, maybe upper elementary. Despite these issues, this is a unique look into Prague and Venice history, alchemy, with a good dose of mystery and adventure. |