Politics of Memory in Public Spaces: Europe and the United States

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

In this course students will examine the complexities of historical memory in public spaces from a comparative European-American perspective with a focus on commemorative landscapes—statues, monuments, street names, etc. This course is built around case studies where commemoration and public memory has proved controversial or contested. The course will begin with a review of the principles and processes of commemoration, including the theoretical literature, as well as practical application, e.g., range of potential remedies. Students will then explore the European experience with the legacies of fascism, communism, and colonialism & slavery in public spaces. We will then apply these "lessons learned" to the current debates over the commemorative landscapes in the United States, including disputes over Confederate statues and depictions of Columbus statues, with a view to the planned rescripting of commemorative landscapes in advance of the 250th anniversary in 2026. Readings will include primary-source documents, e.g., memory & heritage protection laws, commission reports, etc.