This course aims to explore the relationship between history, memory and popular culture: how do societies collectively remember and represent the past? what are the formal and informal mechanisms through which memory is created? how is our view of the past shaped by popular culture?

Students will learn to think critically about popular culture representations of the past, and the relationship between history and present day society. The course will introduce students to some of the complex theory around cultural memory and representations, enabling students to make links between media studies, cultural studies and history.

Memories of past events live on and continue to affect the present in politics, society and culture. This seminar course explores the relationships between history and memory, and the ways in which societies and cultures remember and represent the past. Students will consider representations of twentieth century history in popular culture, especially comics, film and television, as well as formal means of memorialisation such as commemorative sites (memorials, monuments and museums).

Topics to be covered in Spring 2014 include the two World Wars and the Holocaust, exploring European, American and other perspectives; the French-Algerian war; Eastern European dictatorships.

The course is likely to be of particular interest not only to history majors but to media and communications majors.

By the end of the course, students will:
* have a greater understanding of the processes by which the past is remembered, presented and interpreted;
* be able to identify and critique public narratives about the past;
* be able to critically evaluate the ways in which various crucial twentieth century events have been presented.

The course will lead students to consider the relationships between the past and the present along with exploring some aspects of the way history operates as a discipline.

Key skills used and developed by the course will be:
      - critical reading and thinking;
      - analysis and argument;
      - participation in and leadership of class discussions;
      - oral and written presentation of critical reactions to key cultural sources such as texts, films, monuments;
     - independently planning, researching and writing a specific topical study.

Developing an individual analysis, justifying it with appropriate arguments and citations, and effectively communicating these ideas whether orally or in writing, are the central requirements of the course. Students will also develop their skills in preparing and delivering a presentation in front of the class.

Attendance at this class is not mandatory, however class participation makes up 15% of your grade and if you are not present you will not be able to participate. You will be expected to discuss the films we view and other material only covered in class – as well as material from the reading assignments - during your final exam so it is your responsibility to catch up on any material you miss.

 Attendance is taken at the start of each class for my records.

Please do not use laptops, computers or mobile phones in the classroom.

It is not possible to arrange make-ups for final exams. Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

Minor revisions may take place during the semester.

Assignments must be completed BY the date for which they are listed. If no assignment is given here, most likely this is because the following class has two assigned chapters/articles so start on the next one.

 * chapter in J. Winter & E. Sivan, War and Remembrance in the Twentieth Century (2000) – available on reserve in the library.

 The symbol P indicates that a student presentation is scheduled.