As witnesses and testimonies of abuse and horror, memory sites aspire to build reflection, teaching and learning, critical memory and non-repetition. Memory is dynamic and constantly evolving, so memory sites function as places where to look at the past to better understand and shape the present and the future of a society and its approach to human rights. As “sites of conscience” drawing on history lessons, memory sites stimulate dialogue and healing, and inspire citizens’ action.
Course Outline
The course is articulated in three modules:
- Module 1 focuses on the conceptual framework behind memory sites. Starting from a reflection on why and what is important to remember, it then moves to discuss how memories are shaped and who is involved in 'building memory'. It will show the linkage between history, memory and human rights and the role of memorialization in reconciliation and social reconstruction.
- Module 2 focuses on the conceptual framework behind memory sites. Starting from a reflection on why and what is important to remember, it then moves to discuss how memories are shaped and who is involved in 'building memory'. It will show the linkage between history, memory and human rights and the role of memorialization in reconciliation and social reconstruction.
- Module 3 will focus on the aspects related to the 'design' of memory sites, thus dealing with format and content, use of testimonials and symbolic resources, artistic language and types of institutional approaches, stressing the artistic contextualization vis-à-vis the visitors' reactions and empathetic sentiments for past atrocities and abuses.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, participants will gain:
- Understanding of the interconnection and interdependence between history, memory, art and human rights
- Knowledge of "symbolic reparation" as part of the mechanisms of transitional justice and its contribution to the processes of reconciliation and democratisation
- Awareness about the relational complexity of actors involved in creation of memory sites in diverse political and cultural context
- Awareness of the role of ethnicity, religion and gender in the memorialization process
Knowledge of the influence of memory sites in shaping communities, identities, societies and nations
- Awareness of the problems and challenges in creating memory sites
- Knowledge of the "sites of conscience", their educational benefits and effects for contemporary human rights issues
- Insights of the role of artistic language and institutional design on memorialization, democratisation and justice