Teaching code

4S011673

Teacher

Giorgia Proietti

Coordinator

Giorgia Proietti

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

L-ANT/02 - GREEK HISTORY

Period

2° semestre lezioni Trento dal Feb 17, 2025 al May 30, 2025.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

Starting from the multi- and inter-disciplinary framework of the so called ‘memory studies’, which will be the object of a wide preliminary theoretical and methodological presentation, the course aims to introduce the concept of memory (collective, social, cultural), discuss its features, functions and mechanisms, as well as investigate its roles and implications within the formation of historical traditions. Particular reference will be made to case studies from ancient Greek history, however seen in comparison with the modern and contemporary ages, and in a general methodological perspective (no preliminary knowledge of ancient Greece is required). Students are expected to acquire a theoretical knowledge of the themes and problems concerning memory, its processes of formation and forms of expression, the awareness of its historical implications, and the ability to apply it as an interpretative tool with regard to their own research area and interests.

Prerequisites and basic notions

No prerequisites

Program

The course aims to provide a theoretical and methodological introduction to the field of 'memory studies', a recent interdisciplinary academic area which focuses on how ancient and modern societies remember, process, shape, negotiate and transmit their past.
In its first part, the course will focus on how different disciplines (philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, literature, history) have investigated the issue of collective memory and introduced their relevant research tools. Collective memories and identities, social memory and commemorative practices, media of cultural memory, sites of memory, memory and tradition between orality and writing, archive and canon, memory and trauma will be among the discussed topics.
In its second part it focuses on the relationship between memory and history, addressing in particular phenomena of war and conflict, politics of memory, and forms of contestation, with regard to both ancient history and today's society (memory activism, cancel culture, decolonization of the historical discourse, urban landscape, literaray canon).

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Frontal classes (mainly). Discussions and in-class activities are also expected to take place (also in the flipped-classroom mode).
Students' active participation will be encouraged all throughout the course.
Partly individual programmes will be possibly arranged, in order to meet the single students' interests.
One or two guest lectures by external experts will be integral to the course.

Learning assessment procedures

Oral exam concerning the class notes and the bibliography.

Students are also expected to write an essay (max 5000 words), dealing with a topic of their choice, approached through the concepts and tools proper of memory studies.

The essay must be sent to giorgia.proietti@unitn.it at least 5 days before the date of the exam.

Note that the essay might be the starting point for a subsequent dissertation.

Evaluation criteria

Students are expected to develop an adequate theoretical knowledge of the aspects and themes regarding cultural memory, its mechanisms of formation and forms of expression, as well as an awareness of its historical implications. They are also expected to develop a methodological capacity to apply the concepts provided by memory studies as interpretative tools to their own research subjects and topics of interest.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

Written essay + oral exam

Exam language

Italiano