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Memory Politics and Peacebuilding (B-KUL-S0Q79A)

6 ECTSEnglish33 Second term
N. |  Mwambari David (substitute) |  Buschmann Lotte (cooperator)
POC Politieke wetenschappen

Aims

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Demonstrate their understanding of the complex relationship between memory politics and peace;

  • Critically read and comment on texts concerning the evolving debates on memory politics and peacebuilding;
  • Analyse mnemonic artworks based on the main concepts and theories discussed in class;
  • Ability to debate sensitive themes related to memory politics and peace in conflict and post-conflict contexts;
  • Critically examine their subjective perspectives on memory politics in societies transitioning from war to peace;
  • Have the ability to work in a team and comprehensively present on a topic on memory politics and peacebuilding. 

These aims are communicated to students at the start of the semester.

Previous knowledge

Students can critically read and analyse theoretical texts independently.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Memory Politics and Peacebuilding (B-KUL-S0Q79a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture33 Second term
N. |  Mwambari David (substitute) |  Buschmann Lotte (cooperator)
POC Politieke wetenschappen

Content

In this course we will examine the complex relationship between memory politics and peace. We will analyse how memory politics influence the possibility of finding durable peace. Through lectures, and student-led group presentations we will explore how global political actors have historically and continue to navigate collective memory to justify violence as pathways to peace.

The course will start by providing an overview of evolving debates on the relationship between memory politics and the quality of peace. Then we will examine what ties memory politics and peace together. For example, we will examine the tensions that arise when powerful narratives are weaponized and how they can unsettle peacebuilding projects in countries negotiating transitions from war to peace. We will study how commemorative rituals are used in memorialization of victims, while also silencing other vernacular memories that are disregarded due to various political interests and for different peacebuilding goals. The course will also examine the multiple meanings of collective memory and their long lasting and intergenerational effects on human rights and justice in societies that experienced war.   

Course material

  • Literature provided on Toledo
  • Notes

Format: more information

The course consists of lectures and sessions prepared by students through group presentations.  

Students are expected to actively participate during the sessions. 

Evaluation

Evaluation: Memory Politics and Peacebuilding (B-KUL-S2Q79a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written, Paper/Project, Presentation

Explanation


Evaluation characteristics

  • Group presentation
  • Written exam

Determination of the end result

The evaluation is done by the didactic team, as communicated via Toledo and the exam schedule. The result is calculated and expressed as an integer number on 20. 

If a student does not participate in one of the evaluations of the course, the student receives a ‘not taken’ (NA) for the entire course.

Retakes

The evaluation format and modalities for the retakes will be communicated on Toledo early July.