Learning Outcome
Formulate an original critical response to a podcast analyzing the origins, influence, and legacy of the Bauhaus, as presented by scholars at a major world cultural institution
Part 1 (12 points, due Friday of week 9 at 11:59pm): After completing this week’s Stokstad reading and narrated slide lecture on Constructivism, De Stijl, and the New Objectivity, listen to the 15-minute BBC podcast “Cradle of the Modern” (Links to an external site.) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04k6sd5
and then post a robust paragraph on the discussion board sharing your thoughts about the podcast. Reference specific topics and comments in the podcast.
Some questions to consider:
What are your thoughts about the political context from which the Bauhaus emerged?
What are your thoughts on the ways the Bauhaus’s principles of design mark a radical departure from convention?
What do you think about the design of Peter Keler’s cradle?
What do you think about one of the interviewee’s comments about IKEA?
Is there anything in your house or workspace inspired by design principles originated by the Bauhaus? What is it? How does it reflect Bauhaus design principles?
Do you agree with the fundamental Bauhaus objective of breaking down distinctions between “art” and “craft”? Or, what are your thoughts on the role of industrial mass-production in art as understood by the Bauhaus?
What are your thoughts on the socialist political tendencies of the Bauhaus and how that played into its core principles of design and production? What are your thoughts on the political tensions between the Bauhaus and the Nazi regime?
What are your thoughts on the east/west split of the Bauhaus’ legacy after the establishment of East Germany as a communist state in 1949? Which of the two visions do you relate to the most? Why?