Lesson Plan: Of Cities and Men

Areas of interaction: Environment, Homo faber, Approaches to learning

Subjects: Arts, Biology, Humanities, Mathematics ;

Grade: 10th Language A French

Estimate of time required: half a term

Sources:

Works of Voltaire, Diderot, Condillac et Louis-Sébastien Mercier
J. Locke, An Essay concerning Human Understanding
Drawings in architecture by Vitruvius.
Jurgis Baltrusiatis on Anamorphosis.
various cities downtown maps.

Objectives:

Based on language A (French) curriculum in literature, this course should offer an opportunity to understand interconnections between political thought, theory of knowledge and environment.

Outline:

1 - Before the beginning of the lesson, the students are encouraged in questioning their perception of various and simple objects. "What am I aware of when I discover objects using only one sense : audition or touch..." "How would my representation of these objects be changed". Biology class can seize this opportunity to explore the various biological processes involved in perception. (approaches to learning)

2 - By reading excerpts of literary as well as philosophical works from the 18th century, learners should discover the new importance of senses in debates concerning human understanding. This will emphasizes the idea that environment plays an essential part in education. Students are introduced to the idea that architecture may reflect human feelings, concerns and expectations. Then, the course should present several depictions of imaginary cities designed by philosophers as well as writers.

3 - Art class can run on the notion of perspective in architecture, introducing designs by Palladio and Vitruve to fit with neo-classicism mood. Perversions of perspective including anamorphosis may offer an enjoyable and practical addition to this presentation. Distorsions of perspective can be calculated and designed on a computer
(Homo faber)

4 - Big cities downtown maps (St Petersbourg, Bath or Washington DC) are studied in History, in Geography or/and in Art class. Mathematical calculations on proportions and geometry can be involved. (Approaches to learning)

5 - A field trip led by History and Geography teachers make the students discover, for instance, the Mall of Washington DC. Awareness of L'Enfant's original designs purpose is now possible. (environment)

6 - Involving Art and humanities classes as well as Mathematics, students can study campus or school map, trying to comment the design of the place. They can also make up their own conception of a place devoted to education by designing maps expressing their own concept. These maps and drawings could be the occasion of an exhibition.( Homo faber and Environment)

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