The Politics of Memory

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

How do societies deal with the past and the aftermath of historical injustices, genocide, war or periods of mass violence? Should they confront or forget the legacies of past violence? In remembering, should there be focus on unraveling the truth or pursuing justice? What are the philosophical, social, economic, moral and political implications of each? In what way can shaping and ownership of a nation's memory be considered crucial and a tool of political power? What role do museums, commemorative practices, history textbooks and calendars play in memory making and state sponsored representations of the past? This class challenges students to consider the complex challenges in addressing with past historical injustices. We begin with theories and explore cases which led to the advancement in the broader field of transitional justice from an interdisciplinary perspectives. Drawing on readings, narrative, site visits, literature, film and documentaries we will look at various methods of how societies remember and transmit memory of injustices in the past. We consider the diverse pathways taken by societies some with the goal of reconciliation and others in moving forward ranging from amnesties, revenge, forgiveness, truth commissions, memorials, apologizing, and trials.