Public Memory in the U.S.

Catalog description

Every day Americans interact with traces of the past through monuments, memorials, and museum spaces. In this course, students will learn the skills essential to critically approach American sites of public memory while also decoding the new and old historical interpretations present within these locations. We will also challenge the boundaries of “public memory” to consider cultural productions and popular narratives. Readings and assignments give particular attention to the role of public memory in creating, reinforcing, and contesting social identities through specific lenses like race, class, region, and religion.