The aim of this course is to explore the normative and formative dimension of memory. The course starts with the representation of history of memory (pointing out to the most prominent authors in the field) and then engages with the recurring ethical questions pertaining to the uses of the past: whether we have any ethical obligation to remember (e.g. the “memory imperative” driven by delayed reactions to the atrocities of the World War II and Holocaust); what we should remember and who are the (co)creators of collective memory”; how should we employ memories; and what are the ethical criteria for the uses of the past and right measure between too much and too little memory. The course focuses on both individual and collective memory and on a diachronic dimension of coping with the past, which is not only backward-looking but also future-oriented (identity polices, reconciliation, lustration laws, transitional justice, ecc.).
Evaluate the phenomenon of memory as a medium and its communicative dimension. Identify ways in which public and media memory influences the construction of personal and ethnic identity. Highlight the role of media and interpersonal communication in preventing political, religious or ethnic memory abuse.
Misztal, B. A. (2003). Theories of Social Remembering, Philadelphia: Open University Press. Margalit, A. (2004). The Ethics of Memory, Cambridge London: Harvard University Press. Connerton, P. (1989.) How Societies Remember, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Blustein, J. (2008). The Moral Demands of Memory, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; Todorov, T. (2001). Gli abusi della memoria, Napoli: Ipermedium Libri; Halbwachs, M. (1987). La memoria collettiva, Milano: Unicopoli; Ricoeur, P. (2004). Memory, History, Forgetting. Chicago-London: The University of Chicago Press; Booth, J. W. (2006). Communities of Memory: On Witness, Identity, and Justice, Ithaca: Cornell University Press; Brkljačić M., Prlenda, S. (2006). Kultura pamćenja i historija, Zagreb: Golden Marketing- Thenička knjiga. Volf, M. (2012). Zrcalo sjećanja. Ispravno pamćenje u nasilnu svijetu, Rijeka: Ex Libris; Assman, J. (2005.) Kulturno pamćenje, Zenica: Vrijema;
1. Class Attendance: mandatory 70% attendance is required; 2. Seminar Assignments: in-class presentation and seminar paper; A minimum of 35% of the grade should be acquired through regular course activities: seminar assignments and two midterm exams
Grading Scale: Failure (1) – 0 do 49,9% Satisfactory (2) – 50 do 64,9% Good (3) – 65 do 79,9% Very Good (4) – 80 do 89,9% Excellent (5) – 90 do 100% Final Grade Calculation: 1. a) In-class Activities – 70% 1) Seminar Assignments – 20% 2) Mid term 1 – 25% 3) Mid term 2 – 25% b) Final Exam – 30%