People who engage in environmental studies often strive not only to understand the world but to improve
it. In response, this seminar introduces utopianism as a methodical framework for making the world a better
place. Utopias, in a traditional sense, are imaginary better places. So the task at hand might be re-described
as making our actual world more closely resemble a utopia. The question is, how, and also why (this utopia
and not a different one)? Based on relevant readings, the introductory section of the course traces the
theory, history, and ethics of utopianism to some of its current incarnations including environmentalism
and climate activism. An excursion will provide an opportunity to discuss our questions in relation to a
concrete utopian project in the Munich region, with the people engaged in it. Subsequently, small teams of
students will work on cases of their own choosing. The goal is to co-create an e-book of essays, interviews,
etc. by the end of the semester. As in a writing group, weekly sessions will serve to discuss drafts and to
address questions of content, method, form, and language as needed. Complete drafts of student
contributions are due in late January, and the book will be put together in the semester break. This gives us
time, in the final two sessions, to synthesize our findings, re-consider readings in their light, and reflect on
our own experience of co-creation.
- Teacher: Malin Klinski
- Teacher: Julia Leitert
- Teacher: Philipp Thapa