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Holocaust & Rememberance (11)

Exploring Forms, Spaces, and Discourses of Holocaust Remembrance

For decades, the Holocaust has played a pivotal role in shaping Germany’s collective memory and remembrance policy. The ongoing debates about and surrounding the narrative(s) of remembrance thereby hold immense political and public significance, especially in the transition to the post-memorial era, that is, when survivors and primary witnesses are no longer amongst us. Given these circumstances, it is of utmost importance to preserve the remembrance of the Holocaust and to anchor it within our cultural consciousness for generations to come. Consequently, a comprehensive examination of the various forms of representation is therefore essential, necessitating trans- and interdisciplinary approaches.  

The members of the section “Holocaust & Remembrance” therefore aim to delve into the intricate forms and spaces of Holocaust representation, encompassing literature, (interactive) media, the visual arts as well as monuments, memorials and exhibitions. In doing so, we seek to scrutinise the contribution and (potential) impact of these distinct media in cultivating a culture of remembrance. Beyond media-centric discussions, the section's interests extend to exploring the manifestations in the academic discourses of literary and cultural studies, media studies, pedagogy, history and political science.  

We cordially invite new members to join our section and to actively participate in our joint exploration. You are also welcome to attend the meetings as a guest to gain valuable insights and engage in enlightening discussions. To register or seek further information, please contact the Section Speakers, who will gladly assist you in becoming part of our scholarly community. 

 

 

Speakers

 

Meeting Times

Everything "Reconciliation Theatre"? On the German Culture(s) of Remembrance

Join us at SR 109 (GCSC, Otto-Behaghel-Straße 12) on Wednesday 13th December at 4.15 pm. 

The winter term continues under the motto “All ‘Reconciliation Theater’? On the German Culture(s) of Remembrance.” This semester, we aim to convene twice for a critical examination of Germany's culture of remembrance, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the noticeable rise in right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism.

Building on the insights gained from our previous meeting, our next session on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 4.15 pm, at SR 109 (GCSC, Otto-Behaghel-Straße 12) will delve into the writings of Jan and Almeida Assmann. The discussion will continue on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the same time and place. The profound contributions of perhaps the most famous couple of humanities in the German-speaking world to the historical and literary discourse on the Holocaust are unparalleled. Essential concepts in their work include (cultural) memory, remembering, and the complexities of forgetting. To facilitate our discussion, each speaker will explore one of Aleida Assmann's works, presenting its core theses. These insights will then be compiled and shared on our Stud.IP wiki (Join our Stud.IP group here.).

On December 13, we will focus on the following works:

  • Im Dickicht der Zeichen (2015)
  • Formen des Vergessens (2016)
  • Das Unbehagen an der deutschen Erinnerungskultur (2021) 

As always, we warmly invite your active participation in the dialogue, encouraging you to bring your thoughts on the Assmanns. If you prefer English, please let us know in advance, and we will gladly prepare theses accordingly.