What is the course about?
From north to south and east to west, many European communities and societies have seen the previous century defined mostly by violence, conflict and war. In many places, belligerent governments have often (ab)used the past in what we can call memory politics to legitimise hatred. Similarly, wars and conflicts have also left deep historical wounds, many of which have taken decades to heal or have yet to heal. This course explores these troubling but important dimensions of 20th century European history.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Following an introduction to 20th century memory politics, the remaining four sessions of this course explore memory politics before and during war and conflict on the one hand and memory politics, reconciliation and trauma after war and conflict on the other. The conflicts to be covered are: The First World War at the second session, the Second World War at the third class), the wars of decolonisation as remembered in Europe in the fourth class), and, in the last session, the genocide in the collapse of former Yugoslavia and Russia-Ukraine.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
This course will introduce you to the upsetting but important topic of the both destructive and restorative role history and memory have played before, during and after various 20th century conflicts and wars across Europe.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is ‘introductory’ and does not require previous studies on the topic. However, curiosity and a willingness to discuss will help both your learning and class discussion. This session may also be seen as linked to the course ‘History and memory in Europe’.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course does not require prior work. The session will be a combination of teacher presentation, brief individual or team exercises, and, most importantly, group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might find a notebook or electronic device useful for notes. A folder for handouts might also be handy.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see the City Lit website: www.citylit.ac.uk for further courses in the contemporary history and politics section.
