Histories of Memory/Memories of History

Catalog description

This course examines the role of historical narratives in popular culture and politics, using memoir, films, newspapers, political cartoons, and scholarship to think about how such narratives build and break local, national, and transnational communities, serve and interrupt different kinds of political agendas, and reform the way we orient ourselves to the way we live and to those with whom we live. How is the past made? By whom? Topics will include the Holocaust, the Vietnam War, Columbus, memorials, and holidays. Enrollment limited to 17 first year students and sophomores.