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FYS425

Politics and Memory in Central and Eastern Europe

Subject code

FYS

Course Number

425

Department(s)

Instructor(s)

J. Richter

Course Long Title

Politics and Memory in Central and Eastern Europe

Description

The twentieth century casts a long shadow over Eastern and Central Europe: two world wars, ethnic cleansing, communist dictatorships, and, most tragically, the Holocaust. Each country has its share of victims, villains, heroes, collaborators, and cowards. Efforts to make sense of this history, even after all these years, remain a topic of intense political debate. This course examines historical writings, films, and monuments to explore the politics of memory in Eastern and Central Europe, with particular attention paid to Germany, Poland, and Russia. Why does historical memory of these events continue to have such emotional and political power in this region? What choices are made in memorializing history, and what are their contemporary political implications?

Modes of Inquiry

Analysis and Critique [AC]

Writing Credit

W1

Departmental Course Attributes - Major/Minor Requirements

(PLTC: Identities & Interests), (PLTC: Phil., Lit., Legal St.)

GEC This Course Belongs To

-

Class Restriction

Exclude Sophomores, Exclude Juniors, Exclude Seniors, 05