Project  2011 - TASK

Introduction:   Let’s  start with a story.  An American,  a Frenchman, a German and a Russian are asked to write a piece about  whales. The American chooses the title  “The whale and how to make him bigger – just do it”, the Frenchman writes “The Whale and Love”, the German quickly has a full specialist series ready which he calls “Short Introduction in the history of the whales” and the Russian proudly entitles his work “The whale – a part of Russian history”. It’s really just a joke, but Vladimir – the  place  we are going to visit – is  definitely  a part of Russian history.  It was one of the medieval capitals of Russia and the host to Dobrynskoye  air base. Vladimir doesn’t have all the advantages that a metropolis offers. What it does have is a stunning medieval architecture with its pastoral setting which lends Vladimir a picturesque charm and develops a sense of community in those living there. This trip is aimed at exploring Russian architecture and Russian identity, Russian sense of belonging and Russian women.

Task: The outcome of your trip is an essay. Turn it in, so that your instructor could grade it, but you should also prepare it for the draft presentations (7 - 10 slide Power Point presentation ) to be held during finals. These essays should be thoughtful, critical engagements with the following  questions:

Part 1: Architecture, National Idea and Community  (for essays and for presentations)

•1.      In your opinion, what are five most distinctive features of Russian city architecture?

•2.      Compared to American city architecture and city planning, Russian city architecture is more/less……?

•3.      Would you say that city architecture and planning reflect certain traits of national character and community values?

•4.      Russian city architecture and planning seem most evocative of such Russian values as…..? With Russian city planning model in mind, how would you say you perceive Russian national identity?

•5.      What do American city architecture and city planning models reveal about American National Identity and national values?

•6.      How conducive are Russian city architecture and city planning to developing or maintaining a community? Why?

•7.      Could you provide a couple of examples of how, in your opinion, American city architecture and city planning contribute to social bonding and community maintenance in The States?

•8.      What did you find unusual and striking about Russian city architecture and city planning?

•9.       Do you personally feel comfortable/uncomfortable in Russian cities? Would you say that Russian city architecture and planning might be the reason? Why?

Part 2:  (only for presentations) Exploring communication -  the way from Moscow toVladimir

 Sit quietly and observe all the actions, interactions etc. going on at this place during this period of time (train from Moscow to Vladimir). Make  detailed notes describing what is happening, from a perspective that takes nothing for granted and makes no assumptions about the meanings of what you are contemplating. Make comparisons with American culture. Make notes of actions, behaviors, verbal and non-verbal communication. If you happen to find yourself a participant in the activity (since you are not invisibleJ), make note of your actions and responses (both physical and psychological) as well. Record your observations.

Questions:

1. Describe the place. Can you judge the culture upon this place?

2. Record your observations on non-verbal communication. Examine the ways in which space is handled.  When do you think the Russians are “pushy”?  How close do people sit to each other? How close do they stand when they are talking? Are they closer or farther away than people of American culture in the same situations? Do people move their hands or heads while they are talking? What kinds of gestures or movements do you see? Are these similar to those in the US? Who makes more gestures - men or women? Or is there no difference? Is this the same in American culture? Do the people touch each other during their conversations? How? When?

3. (For Russian students)  Try to detect patterns in the actions and behaviors. If you were a foreigner to our culture, how would you interpret what was going on in this place at this time?

For foreign students: what do you feel about the place? If it were a part of your own culture, what would happen differently?

What clues about cultural meanings of behaviors and actions could you get directly from what passengers are talking about? What deductions could you make from their gestures and mimics? What can you conclude about the culture based on what you have witnessed? What are its primarily cultural values and orientations?

Part 3: (for essays and for presentations)

While dealing with Part 3, focus on your relationship with the topic. The second part is not about some general and highly theoretical stuff. It is about you. Make clear how you feel/felt about it. How is it a part of you?             Stick to what YOU know and feel about it from experience (be specific and give as many examples as possible, please).

 You may choose one of the following topics:

•A.     Mobility of Russians  and public transport system (walking experiences, metro, buses, trolleys and trams)

•B.      Devushki, Zhenshchiny, Babushki – the most common situations you are in Russia with a specific regard to its feminine component

•C.     National sports – comparative analysis: Russia – the US

The presentations should visually represent your experiences and your findings.