Memory and its private and collective function in contemporary society.

What is memory? What is the function of the past and what need does it address? What roles do memory and the act of recall and commemoration have in the social and political life of a society, as in the private life of individuals? Each of us lives with our own personal histories, as well as the history of our society and the events of the era to which we belong. The course is designed to introduce us to the questions surrounding the phenomena of memory, recall and commemoration.

We will explore these themes using a variety of texts from the domain of social sciences (sociology, philosophy, history and psychology) as well as from literature and cinema. We will explore in depth certain themes, relating to collective memory and to individual memory at work in contemporary societies. Personal and intimate dimensions will be studied as well as social, historical and political ones.
The course will be organized in six sessions:
• Individual and Collective Memory
• Definitions and Issues
• Family Memory and Childhood Remembering
• Love and Romantic Memory
• Historical and Collective Memory
• Political Socialization of Individuals and Memory
• Memory of the Pandemic Covid-19

Required text:
Anne Muxel, Individu et mémoire familiale, Hachette Pluriel, Paris, 2007 ; ISBN: 978-2-01-279318-7

A course pack will be available