History and memory in the United States of America

What is the course about?

This one-day course examines how history is constructed, remembered, and challenged in the United States. We will explore how historical narratives shape national identity, how memory is preserved through monuments and museums, and how contested histories fuel debates over race, power, and justice.
We will analyse key case studies, including the debates over the American War of Independence, the relationship between slavery and democracy, the commemoration of the Civil War and Confederate monuments, Indigenous histories and land acknowledgements, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary debates over history education. The course will also consider how public memory intersects with political movements, activism, and policy-making.

What will we cover?

- History and National Memory: How history is constructed, taught, and debated in the U.S.
- Monuments and Memorials: Confederate statues, national landmarks, and contested symbols
- Race, Identity, and Memory: How public memory intersects with racial justice and activism
- Indigenous Histories and Land Acknowledgements: Remembering Indigenous nations and histories of displacement
- The Civil Rights Movement and its legacies for other minority groups : How struggles for racial justice are remembered, extended, and at times misrepresented
- History Education and Public Controversies: The role of textbooks, curriculum debates, and laws regulating historical teaching
- Social Movements and Counter-Memory: How activists challenge dominant narratives and reclaim historical narratives.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Understand how history and memory shape U.S. national identity and politics
- Analyse how monuments, museums, and public commemorations influence historical narratives
- Identify the connections between race, history, and public memory
- Discuss major debates over history education and representation in the U.S.
- Engage critically with contested histories and historical silences.

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 relevant shared resources 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?

This course will be delivered as a study day (morning and afternoon), including a mix of lectures, discussions, and case-study analysis. There is no required work outside of class, but optional reading materials will be provided for further exploration.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Your tutor will share their courses with you, but please also explore our section on histories, memories and heritage.