Could you explain the horizontal structure of the course?
Traditionally, educational institutions employ a vertical and hierarchical pedagogy, where the professor is the sole source of knowledge and the student is the receiver. In contrast, the School for Poetic Sciences reimagines the classroom as a horizontal and interdependent space. This approach shifts away from linear and unidirectional learning, and decentralizes the flow of knowledge. To bring this vision to life, our 16-week semester will feature a unique format: each week, one of the 16 selected applicants will lead the knowledge exchange, sharing their expertise and interests in innovative ways. Our participant-led approach aims for diverse perspectives, peer-to-peer learning, and collective growth. Our classroom has no single authority, and instead, encourages participants to take on a self-directed exploration in ways that support collective learning. In simpler words, benefit others with what you’ve learnt, and learn from others.
What’s the reason behind the word “poetic”?
The pairing evokes exploration, curiosity, and creative definitions, as 'poetic sciences' isn't an established field. The juxtaposition of these words invites you to reconcile different approaches, making sense of complex concepts in innovative ways.
Is there any limit or a particular theme to the subjects we can explore in this course? A school for ‘inhabiting the earth’ tells me it must have some connection to ecology.
The exploration of subjects isn't limited to traditional notions of ecology. The term "poetic sciences" encompasses a broader scope. Poetry originates from "poiesis," meaning making or composing, while science stems from "scientia," or knowledge. Both involve intimacy, witnessing, and understanding. Without distinguishing hard and soft sciences, the School welcomes in-depth studies in the fields of your choice. We also invite exploration in arts and humanities, seeking nuances through intersections with other disciplines. For instance, a photography workshop could also delve into not just composition and visual storytelling, but also the study of light, optics and lens design, and the politics of the gaze and representation. Relearning to inhabit the Earth simply means reapproaching what it means to be alive and present. This includes a wide range of things, including but not limited to gravity and other forces that keep us alive, languages, technologies, the need of protection and justice – all essential to life on Earth. Our goal isn't to limit our exploration to ecology — the School hopes to be a place for learning about the many interconnected aspects of life.
How do you define “expertise” here?
The School challenges traditional notions of expertise by embracing a self-proclaimed, inclusive definition. Expertise is recognized as self-cultivated knowledge developed through dedicated time and practice. This approach values both formal learning, such as supervised training or degree programs, and informal learning, including unsupervised exploration, personal dedication and devotional practice. Acknowledging that universities often undermine alternative ways of knowing through neocolonial practices, the School rejects the distinction between formal and informal learning. At the School, expertise encompasses intimate, intergenerational, and experiential knowledges. We know that expertise speaks for itself through demonstration and embodiment. Self-directed learning and practice are equally valuable, regardless of certifications or institutional validation. To showcase your expertise, the application invites you to share your story and interests through written descriptions. Allow your application to speak for itself: to provide links or attachments demonstrating your expertise, such as projects, artworks, writing samples, or speech.
What's the curriculum or course outline?
School for Poetic Sciences adopts an innovative, participant-driven approach to curriculum design. Rather than presenting a pre-defined course outline, we invite teacher-participants to co-create and co-teach the syllabus. Participants will mutually determine teaching schedules. Each participant leads a session over the 16-week semester with texts, materials, activities and projects of their choice. This cooperative stewardship encourages participants to share expertise and interests, and benefit from each others' learning journeys. To be part of it, prospective participants will be selected through an application and interview process that will help the School gauge their knowledge acumen, curiosity, as well as the ability to contribute to a collaborative learning environment. Ultimately, the School invites participants to teach what they know best or wish to explore collectively. This unique methodology embodies the School's commitment to horizontal learning, mutual support, and creative exploration, where everyone participates in making the course and shaping the learning experience.
Is it necessary to teach to participate in the course?
At the School for Poetic Sciences, we recognize that sharing knowledge can take many forms. There's no prescribed format – the method of sharing can be tailored to each individual's style and preference. Participants are encouraged to design their own approach to sharing their expertise, and I'm here to support that process. My background in human-centered design informs my approach to the School. With expertise in crafting learning experiences centered on students' and professionals' needs, I'll work closely with you to design an effective and engaging sharing method. The School values openness to sharing and learning over traditional teaching experience. This means you're free to share your expertise in whatever way feels most natural – presentations, workshops, discussions, or something entirely new. We're here to support your creative expression, not constrain it. Let's co-create an environment that's authentic, engaging, and uniquely ours.
Do we have to submit lesson plans at the time of joining?
When applying to the School, you're not required to submit lesson plans or workshop proposals. We're interested in understanding your acumen and curiosities, not reviewing detailed teaching plans. Feel free to think ahead if you're excited about sharing your expertise, but it's not expected. The Orientation is where we'll get to know each other, discuss interests, and decide who'll lead each week's session. You might choose to lead alone or partner with fellow participants who share your passions and complement your expertise. This flexible approach allows us to tap into the collective energy and creativity of the group.
How is it really free, and who is funding all this?
School for Poetic Sciences is free because its design is inherently collaborative. Since everyone contributes to the course's development, it wouldn't be fair to charge a fee that benefits only one person. Currently, there's no external funding, so it's either no one gets paid or everyone does – including myself. Fortunately, CFAW generously provides space and resources, making this endeavor possible. To secure your spot, a nominal registration fee of Rs. 5,000 is required as a security deposit. With 6% of it (Rs. 300) allocated for stationery replenishment, the amount is refundable upon course completion. We're exploring sponsorship opportunities for a culmination project, allowing participants to showcase their work generated during the course. This could take various forms, such as research papers, artworks, notes, collective publications (zine, folder, website) or public programming (exhibition, conference). Participation is voluntary, and you're free to opt-out. We understand that the course's focus is on shared learning and growth, and some may not want to commit to producing additional work. While the School aims to provide a platform for those interested in showcasing their creative output, research, or reflections from the course, our priority remains creating a welcoming, engaging, and enjoyable space that you'll look forward to returning to each week.
Walk me through the application proces
The application process entails submitting a form, divided into five sections, followed by an interview. Section 1: This section collects your personal information, helping me understand how to address and connect with you. Section 2: This section aims to understand whether you have an existing teaching practice, its current stage, and if you're enrolled at an academic institution. Academic affiliation isn't a requirement, and this program is best suited for individuals not currently enrolled and seeking alternative learning spaces with a similar commitment. Additionally, this section helps identify gaps in your learning journey and your interests in addressing them at the School. By sharing your background, interests, and motivations, you'll help me assess how the School can support you. Section 3: The third section of the application is optional but highly valued. It's a conversation I look forward to having with you, whether through this section or during our interview. This is your opportunity to share your story, showcasing what you've been up to, what you've created, and what motivates you. You can attach text, visuals, links, or larger files via WeTransfer (sendittoasad@gmail.com) — whatever best represents your interests and expertise. I'm interested in understanding what drives your pursuits, the work that inspires and moves you deeply, and why you think the way you think. Who or what has prompted you to explore this direction? Perhaps it's a teacher, mentor, or role model who has changed your approach to learning and growth, embodying qualities you aspire to. Alternatively, your inspiration might come from a book, object, method, or practice. Share whatever has significantly shaped your perspective, helping me grasp your unique viewpoint and passions. Section 4: The fourth section of the application focuses on your commitment to participating in the School. Specifically, I ask that you commit to attending sessions at a mutually agreed-upon time. Initially, I propose Saturdays from 11 AM to 1 PM, but we can revisit and adjust this schedule as needed to ensure your comfortable participation. Please note that CFAW's current location is PECHS Block 2, but we may temporarily relocate to a public space or a participant's home/studio if needed, due to potential changes in CFAW's location during the semester. Importantly, the School differs from traditional competitive learning environments. There are no assessments or pressure to excel individually. We look towards cultivating a supportive community where everyone grows together. Your commitment involves your presence, willingness to ask for, offer and work with feedback, and embracing a participatory spirit. Section 5: The fifth and final section invites your feedback on the application process itself. As this is my first time designing an application for others, your input can go a long way. I've included specific questions to guide your reflection. Your participation (or non-participation) in feedback, as well as the nature of your feedback, will have no bearing on the evaluation or outcome of your application. Taking a few moments to share your thoughts on what worked well and what didn't will greatly assist me in refining future applications. Interview: Selected applicants will be contacted during the second week of October for a brief online interview. I aim to take no longer than 15-30 minutes of your time to clarify mutual expectations and offerings. It's an opportunity for us to discuss how the School can support you and answer any questions you may have.
How does this course support an in-depth study?
This course is designed to support in-depth study through various avenues. While we'll allocate equal time and space for everyone to learn and lead, sessions can also be collaborative, allowing individuals with mutual interests to explore topics further together. If there's significant interest in diving deeper into a subject, you're welcome to lead additional sessions, either independently or with a colleague. The culminating project provides an opportunity to engage more deeply with your subject at your own pace, then share your findings with the class, receive feedback, and refine your work through iterative processes. With a dedicated group of teacher-participants, I am relieved that I don't have to have all the answers alone, and I'm confident that we'll discover innovative ways to deepen our studies together. While we're planning for a group of 16 participants, we're prepared to adapt if fewer individuals sign up. For instance, we could have participants lead or co-lead multiple sessions, host critique sessions to share work-in-progress, or invite guests to enrich our discussions. The initial 16-week structure serves as a starting point, but we're open to evolution, molding the course to meet the unique needs and interests of our participants as we progress, ensuring a dynamic and supportive environment.
What is the timeline?
Application opens: September 14, 2024 Information session: September 21, 2024 Application closes: October 5, 2024 (3 weeks from opening) Interview scheduling: October 7-11, 2024 (second week of October) Interview completion: October 14-18, 2024 (third week of October) Confirmation emails sent by October 18, 2024 Registration confirmation by October 23, 2024 First session/orientation: October 26, 2024 Course duration: October 26, 2024 - February 8, 2025 (Saturdays, 2 hours)