Sociology of Memory

The course is aimed at providing a critical understanding of the main theories and methodologies used in the study of memory as a social phenomenon and, in particular, the links existing between memory and society and the relationships that social groups establish not only with their past, but also with their present and future. It also aims at providing suitable tools, in the field of social sciences, for addressing the mechanisms of remembering and oblivion that mostly affect contemporary societies, focusing in particular on the relationships between memory and violence through the analysis of case-studies. Finally, this will allow students to become familiar with the language and theories developed in this field and to develop capacities aimed at providing a critical analysis of the topics addressed (through oral and written presentations and team-work).

Students are required to show an adequate understanding of the key-concepts, authors and methods of sociology of memory and the topics addressed in the special part of the programme, such as war, colonialism, the nexus existing between Nazism, Fascism and racism, terrorism and the strategy of tension, Mafia violence and Mediterranean migrations.
The use of a proper language and the ability to link together different contents and topics will be particularly appreciated.