Monuments and Memory

A fascination with the past is part of the human experience. Since antiquity, humans have created markers and monuments to commemorate, enshrine, or caution viewers about the past. This kind of intentional construction of a collective consciousness of the past, known as social memory, is the an important part of the study of the past, both in history and in archaeological studies. Material representations of these memories – monuments – have long been an important clue to how we interpret past societies as well as our own. Thus, in this program we will explore the question: How do memorials shape, create, or determine "what gets remembered," and by whom?

This first-year program explores monumentality and memorialization, both ancient and modern, through selected case studies ranging from the ancient Mediterranean to 20th-century France and Germany, to the 21st century United States.

This program will introduce students to the methods and theories of historians and archaeologists. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the ancient and more recent past, including, but not limited to, ancient Greece and Rome, and modern Europe.

We will begin with an introduction to the disciplines of history and archaeology. Then, we will move on to the study of memory and place-making, focusing on Durkheim and Halbwach's theories of collective memory and its function in society. We will use these foundations to examine how public spaces are shaped through the construction, alteration, and destruction of monuments and memorials, in a variety of different historical, archaeological, and social contexts. This program will also investigate how modern societies have memorialized certain aspects of the past for their own social and political benefit.

This is an introductory program, and no prior experience in history or archaeology is required. Students should be prepared for an intensive reading and writing experience. Active participation in discussions and workshops is expected. Readings will including primary as well as secondary sources and philosophical texts. There will be opportunities to practice analytical as well as interpretive writing. Students will also get the chance, in groups, to research something from the past they think should be remembered, and to create designs for their proposed memorial.

Anticipated credit equivalencies: 6 credits in history; 4 credits in archaeology; 4 credits in memory studies

This program is coordinated with Greener Foundations for first-year students. Greener Foundations is Evergreen’s in-person 2-quarter introductory student success course sequence, which provides first-year students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at Evergreen. Students expected to take Greener Foundations should use CRN 10126 to register for a 2-credit Greener Foundations course in addition to this 14-credit program. 

First-year students who are not expected to take Greener Foundations or have been granted an exemption should use CRN 10035 to register for this program. Find more details about who isn't expected to take Greener Foundations on the Greener Foundations website.