2023/2024
Mediatization of Memory
Category 'Best Course for Broadening Horizons and Diversity of Knowledge and Skills'
Type:
Mago-Lego
Delivered by:
Institute of Media
When:
2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Irina Dushakova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
24
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course focuses on ways to study the relationship between memory and media. On the one hand, it allows to respond to current trends in the media field associated with the growing interest in historical events in the media, with the creation of numerous projects and databases that declare their goal is to preserve memory, as well as new technologies that remind users of past events or intended for various commemorative practices. At the same time, the course involves working with theoretical approaches to solving such issues as, for example, the relationship between media production processes and memory construction, framing events that allow building memory around certain semantic points, etc. Such work can be carried out on the basis of both classical works ( studies by M. Halbwachs, P. Nora, R. Koselleck), and modern (works by J. and A. Assman, M. Hirsch, J. Kog, M. Rotberg).
Learning Objectives
- To introduce classical and modern theoretical concepts in memory studies to students and to provide them with tools for analysis of the inter-influence of memory and media.
- To teach students to use various methods of collecting, processing and interpreting data related to certain aspects of media memory.
- To introduce key digital projects that preserve history in different ways (digital archives, VR/AR galleries, diverse apps based on individual/collective memories, etc.).
Expected Learning Outcomes
- analyzes discourses about the past, about historical memory, about the memories of eyewitnesses
- knows the basic concepts of mediation and mediatization
- analyzes bright cases in contemporary media space
- analyzes inter-influence of media and memory
- has basic knowledge about such categories as collective/social/cultural memory and draws theoretical distinctions between them, can apply the idea of postmemory and other sensitizing concepts to his/her area of professional (theoretical / industrial) interest,
- knows the latest research in the field of memory and media studies in relation to his/her area of professional (theoretical / industrial) interest
- knows the main sources of data about the memories of eyewitnesses in the Russian media space
- knows how to work with relevant databases, platforms and services
Course Contents
- Overview of theoretical approaches in memory studies
- “Memorial boom”: grassroots media projects aimed at preserving memory
- Representation of a "difficult past"
- Multilayer memory. Material dimension in preserving memory. The discourse-material knot in memory studies.
Assessment Elements
- Attendance of classes & Activity during the course (individual evaluation)
- Theoretically grounded movie review (individual assignment)
- Analysis of an applied media project (group assignment)
- Analysis of a museum exposition (group assignment)
Interim Assessment
- 2023/2024 2nd module0.3 * Analysis of a museum exposition (group assignment) + 0.2 * Analysis of an applied media project (group assignment) + 0.2 * Attendance of classes & Activity during the course (individual evaluation) + 0.3 * Theoretically grounded movie review (individual assignment)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Kansteiner, W. (2002). Finding Meaning in Memory: A Methodological Critique of Collective Memory Studies. History & Theory, 41(2), 179. https://doi.org/10.1111/0018-2656.00198
- Marianne Hirsch. (2012). The Generation of Postmemory : Writing and Visual Culture After the Holocaust. Columbia University Press.
- On media memory : collective memory in a new media age, , 2011
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Media and memory, Garde-Hansen, J., 2011