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In East Asia, memory often serve as powerful forces that shape national identities, social cohesion, and even international relations. These memories can be evoked through various means, from textbooks and museums to monuments and public ceremonies, and can often be a double-edged sword—unifying communities while deepening divisions.
What will we cover?
This course seeks to begin by introducing the concept of memory politics and provides a foundational understanding of key memory theories. The course then navigates through a series of examples across China, the Korean peninsula and Japan. Each of these examples not only stands as a reflection of the country's internal narrative but also as a point of contention in its diplomatic relations with others. By focusing on these, the course aims to shed light on the complicated intersection of history, memory, and modern geopolitics in East Asia.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify memory politics and theories
Recognise what memory politics is and why it plays a significant role in both domestic politics and international relation across key nations of East Asia
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Presentation via slides and class discussion. You will be able to access supplementary materials via Google Classroom.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs, but you may want to bring a pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will point you towards other courses on histories, memories and heritage. You can also find related courses here
Martin Ottovay Jorgensen is a historian by education (BA, MA and PhD in Denmark and Belgium). As a teacher in higher ediucation and further education, he has taught courses on world and global history; African history, Asian history, imperial and colonial history; the history of international organisations; peace and conflict; global issues and international relations as well as how memory is an active dimension in community-building, society, politics, international relations, conflict as well as corporate branding. At City Lit, Martin heads the Department of History, Politics, Philosophy and Sience and teaches across history and politics. He strives to promote history as a socially relevant way of thinking and to give each class and course a horizon beyond itself. Perhaps more importantly, Martin sees the active promotion of robust historical thinking as a democratic practice of vital importance to both the workings of our democracy and the embracing and valuing our multi-cultural and diverse society.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/exploring-the-memory-politics-of-east-asia2490643Exploring the memory politics of East Asiahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/intro-to-philosophy-1024.jpg6969GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Histories, memories & heritage/Courses/Online courses228511771178190717311228511771178<p>Join us to explore how memory shapes politics in East Asia through examples across China, the Korean peninsula, and Japan.</p>153029005Exploring the memory politics of East Asia6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/intro-to-philosophy-1024.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-05-19T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH1706969Exploring the memory politics of East Asia694569Martin Jorgensenexploring-the-memory-politics-of-east-asia/hwh170-2526<p>Join us to explore how memory shapes politics in East Asia through examples across China, the Korean peninsula, and Japan.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-19 00:00:00<p>In East Asia, memory often serve as powerful forces that shape national identities, social cohesion, and even international relations. These memories can be evoked through various means, from textbooks and museums to monuments and public ceremonies, and can often be a double-edged sword—unifying communities while deepening divisions.<br> </p><p>Join us to explore how memory shapes politics in East Asia through examples across China, the Korean peninsula, and Japan.</p><p>This course seeks to begin by introducing the concept of memory politics and provides a foundational understanding of key memory theories. The course then navigates through a series of examples across China, the Korean peninsula and Japan. Each of these examples not only stands as a reflection of the country's internal narrative but also as a point of contention in its diplomatic relations with others. By focusing on these, the course aims to shed light on the complicated intersection of history, memory, and modern geopolitics in East Asia.</p><ul><li>Identify memory politics and theories</li><li>Recognise what memory politics is and why it plays a significant role in both domestic politics and international relation across key nations of East Asia</li></ul><p> </p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>Presentation via slides and class discussion. You will be able to access supplementary materials via Google Classroom.</p><p>No additional costs, but you may want to bring a pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking. </p><p>Your tutor will point you towards other courses on histories, memories and heritage. You can also find related courses <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/further-historical-studies" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></p>HistoryHistories, memories & heritagevirtual696945HWH170NONETue19/05/26 - 09/06/2619:00 - 20:3019:0020:304 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineMartin JorgensenBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-05-19T00:00:00+00:00EveningMay 2026Culture, history & humanities6969Exploring the memory politics of East Asiaexploring-the-memory-politics-of-east-asia/hwh170-2526<p>Join us to explore how memory shapes politics in East Asia through examples across China, the Korean peninsula, and Japan.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-19 00:00:00<p>In East Asia, memory often serve as powerful forces that shape national identities, social cohesion, and even international relations. These memories can be evoked through various means, from textbooks and museums to monuments and public ceremonies, and can often be a double-edged sword—unifying communities while deepening divisions.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Join us to explore how memory shapes politics in East Asia through examples across China, the Korean peninsula, and Japan.</p><p>This course seeks to begin by introducing the concept of memory politics and provides a foundational understanding of key memory theories. The course then navigates through a series of examples across China, the Korean peninsula and Japan. Each of these examples not only stands as a reflection of the country's internal narrative but also as a point of contention in its diplomatic relations with others. By focusing on these, the course aims to shed light on the complicated intersection of history, memory, and modern geopolitics in East Asia.</p><ul><li>Identify memory politics and theories</li><li>Recognise what memory politics is and why it plays a significant role in both domestic politics and international relation across key nations of East Asia</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>Presentation via slides and class discussion. You will be able to access supplementary materials via Google Classroom.</p><p>No additional costs, but you may want to bring a pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.&nbsp;</p><p>Your tutor will point you towards other courses on histories, memories and heritage. You can also find related courses <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/further-historical-studies" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a></p>HistoryHistories, memories & heritageconfigurable
19071178Histories, memories & heritagehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/further-historical-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/19071/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Histories, memories & heritage
