“Cultural Journeys to Romania: Old Places, New Spaces” invites an imersive exploration into architectural sites that have witnessed transformational new trends in Romanian society. This learning unit delves into prominent cultural landmarks such as fortresses, castles, and old cities and their cultural heritage, and presents their functional role in the urban spaces that they occupy today. Throughout this journey, you will discover the intricate evolution of four cities, Cluj-Napoca, Sighișoara, Sibiu, and Târgu-Mureș, each emblematic of Romania’s dynamic historical trajectory.
The learning module consists of several sections that describe the historical background of each site, explain its position within the urban space, and explore its ongoing cultural and social functions. Aspects such as local cultures, globalization, intergenerational trends, lifestyle, intercultural interactions, and social and academic life are examined. Each section of the module highlights one cultural site, tracing its evolution in relation to the enumerated factors, and is supported by examples and illustrations.
The following are just a few examples of sites to be explored. The old fortress in the city of Cluj-Napoca, which bears the marks of belligerent medieval times, finds itself at the center of an urban trend of international festivals and intercultural events. The Astra Museum in Sibiu, an open-air ethnographic exhibition area that promotes sustainable cultural projects, hosts after-school and summer courses and workshops for students of all ages. The Medieval Citadel in Târgu-Mureș provides a venue for art exhibitions and cultural events that mirror current activist movements for equality and inclusion.
About the author:
Adela Lechintan-Siefer is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of French and Italian and the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures at The Ohio State University. She teaches French and Romanian language courses as well as cinema, literature, and culture.
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