Workshop: Public Policies of Memory and Urban Space: the Case of Milan
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The workshop aims to illustrate the public policies of memory in a large metropolitan city, starting with the case of Milan. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of public choices and local administrations in determining memory policies and to the interaction between public policies and third parties. The goal is to help students understand the breadth and variety of possible memorial policies and the different implications that each of them necessarily entails.
Expected learning outcomes
The workshop aims to illustrate memory policies in urban areas, starting with the case of Milan. The objective is to broaden students' knowledge of issues such as street naming and toponymy policies, memorial policies, and public monumentalisation. The workshop will focus on the actions of public administration, but will also emphasise the interactions between public policies and third parties (universities, foundations, associations, various cultural entities).
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
In recent years, memory has emerged as an autonomous discipline, important in the development of public policies at local, national, and international institutions.
The workshop aims to illustrate, understand, and analyze public memory policies, using the specific case of a large metropolitan city like Milan.
Particular attention will be paid to the impact of public decisions and local administrations on shaping memory policies and the interaction between public policies and third parties.
The workshop will consist of ten lectures in the first quarter (September-December), which will explore the concept of memory in urban space and will alternate theoretical sessions with workshops and in-depth case studies.
The goal is to make students understand the breadth and variety of possible memorial policies and the different implications each necessarily entails, helping to equip students with the tools to interpret collective memorial processes.
The workshop aims to illustrate, understand, and analyze public memory policies, using the specific case of a large metropolitan city like Milan.
Particular attention will be paid to the impact of public decisions and local administrations on shaping memory policies and the interaction between public policies and third parties.
The workshop will consist of ten lectures in the first quarter (September-December), which will explore the concept of memory in urban space and will alternate theoretical sessions with workshops and in-depth case studies.
The goal is to make students understand the breadth and variety of possible memorial policies and the different implications each necessarily entails, helping to equip students with the tools to interpret collective memorial processes.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no prerequisites other than those required for admission to the course of study.
Teaching methods
The Workshop will consist of two complementary activities: lectures by the instructor and discussions of specific cases (plaques, monuments, toponymic dedications, and other public memorial tools), with specific individual and/or group experimental work.
A possible visit to one or more case studies will be planned, along with a proposed memorial action for each student, and experts in the field will be invited to contribute to the discussion.
A text distributed as a guide tool will be available to students.
A possible visit to one or more case studies will be planned, along with a proposed memorial action for each student, and experts in the field will be invited to contribute to the discussion.
A text distributed as a guide tool will be available to students.
Teaching Resources
Handout will be distributed to the students (reading is recommended):
L. Gibillini, SPAZI URBANI E POLITICHE DELLA MEMORIA.
MONUMENTI, TARGHE, ODONOMASTICA A MILANO (1993-2024)
For further information, the following optional readings in italian are recommended:
1. A. Wieviorka, L'era del testimone, Milano, Raffaello Cortina Editore, 1998
2. J. Le Goff, Storia e memoria, Torino, Einaudi, 1982
3. M. Baioni (a cura di), Città mito. Luoghi del Novecento politico italiano, Roma, Carocci, 2022
4. M. Isnenghi (a cura di), I luoghi della memoria. Simboli e miti dell'Italia unita, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1996
5. S. Consenti, Luoghi della memoria a Milano, Milano, Guerini e associati, 2015
6. Mappa "Tempo di pace e Libertà". Milano tra il 1943 e il 1945. Cartoguida. Comune di Milano e Università degli studi di Milano, 2024
7. M. Flores, Cattiva Memoria. Perché è difficile fare i conti con la storia, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2020
8. V. Pisanty, I Guardiani della memoria, Milano, Bompiani, 2019
L. Gibillini, SPAZI URBANI E POLITICHE DELLA MEMORIA.
MONUMENTI, TARGHE, ODONOMASTICA A MILANO (1993-2024)
For further information, the following optional readings in italian are recommended:
1. A. Wieviorka, L'era del testimone, Milano, Raffaello Cortina Editore, 1998
2. J. Le Goff, Storia e memoria, Torino, Einaudi, 1982
3. M. Baioni (a cura di), Città mito. Luoghi del Novecento politico italiano, Roma, Carocci, 2022
4. M. Isnenghi (a cura di), I luoghi della memoria. Simboli e miti dell'Italia unita, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1996
5. S. Consenti, Luoghi della memoria a Milano, Milano, Guerini e associati, 2015
6. Mappa "Tempo di pace e Libertà". Milano tra il 1943 e il 1945. Cartoguida. Comune di Milano e Università degli studi di Milano, 2024
7. M. Flores, Cattiva Memoria. Perché è difficile fare i conti con la storia, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2020
8. V. Pisanty, I Guardiani della memoria, Milano, Bompiani, 2019
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning assessment will be based on active participation in class.
The assessment criteria will be: developed critical thinking skills on the topic, lexical and expository competence and clarity, and logical-communicative coherence in the workshop.
Evaluation method: Approval with recognition of 3 credits.
Evaluation methods for students with disabilities and/or learning disabilities will be agreed upon with the instructor.
The assessment criteria will be: developed critical thinking skills on the topic, lexical and expository competence and clarity, and logical-communicative coherence in the workshop.
Evaluation method: Approval with recognition of 3 credits.
Evaluation methods for students with disabilities and/or learning disabilities will be agreed upon with the instructor.
- University credits: 3
Humanities workshops: 20 hours