Why and how do we remember past atrocities and human rights violations? What is the role of memory sites in social reconstruction, transitional justice and democratisation? How do memory sites shape communities, societies, identities and nations?
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.
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 is dedicated to the objectives of memory sites, ranging from information and knowledge-sharing to the idea of providing evidence of abuses; from the role of memory sites for identity building/reconstruction and education to the ethical, legal and political challenges of the representation of horror.
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.
Lecturers and Experts
The course has been developed under the leadership of the Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LATMA) and the European Regional Master's Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe (ERMA). The faculty includes the following lecturers and experts (read bios here), among others:
Maria Sonderéguer
Professor at the University of Quilmes
Vesna Teršelić
Director of Documenta - Centre for Dealing with the Past and Right Livelihood Award Laureate
T. Jeremy Gunn
Professor of Law and Political Science at Université Internationale de Rabat (Morocco)
Prajak_Kongkirati
Research Director of the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, Thailand
Alejandra Naftal
Executive Director and co-curator of the ESMA Memory Site Museum
Jasminko Halilovic
Founder and Director of the War Childhood Museum
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this 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
F.A.Q.s
+
Enrolment
How do I enrol in the course?
In order to enrol, please follow the instructions on our “How to Enrol” webpage. This will then lead you to the OpenEdX course page. Once you are there, you can start the enrolment process by clicking the "enrol" button.
Is there a selection procedure to participate in the course?
The course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means we do not select participants on any basis. Rather, we welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic to enrol and participate for free.
+
Fees
I would like to know if the course is free or if some parts are to be paid
Our course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means all components are open and totally free for anyone.
Do I need to pay any fee to attend the course?
There are no registration or tuition fees. The certificate of participation is also free and offered to all those who successfully complete all the course requirements (see below for details on the certificate).
+
Accessibility
Is the course accessible to persons with disabilities?
We want all participants in our courses to enjoy a great learning experience and we strive to always improve accessibility. Each week of the course includes one or two video lectures with accompanying transcripts and reading materials. The texts are in PDF format, work at low bandwidths, are printable and can be zoomed to the desired size. Some readings may include pages from accessible websites. This makes all of them accessible to those who use assistive technology software such as screen readers. Likewise, weekly discussions and module quizzes can be completed through our platform which is accessible, for example, to people who use speech input, keyboard accessible controls or text to speech tools. For more details please visit EdX Website Accessibility Policy.
+
Structure and content
Is there a schedule for the course or is it self-directed?
The course is self-paced so participants can study in their own time.
+
Certificate of completion
What do I need to do to get the certificate of completion?
At the end of the course, if you have successfully passed 4 quizzes, you will receive a certificate confirming your participation.
Why should I request a certificate?
If you plan to use your course for job applications, promotions, or school applications, you may prefer to have a certificate that is officially signed. It is also a great way to give yourself an incentive to complete the course and celebrate your success.
I am not interested in a certificate. Can I still audit the course?
Yes. All our courses can be audited for free. If you audit a course, you can participate in any or all activities and quizzes and complete them, but you will not receive a certificate. Do you still want some proof of participation? You can simply print the progress chart that you will find in your course page.
