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Course Description

Summary

This course offers a critical appraisal of the concepts of time, history, and memory in the social and cognitive sciences. We will start by defining our field of research at the intersection of sociology, psychology, history, anthropology, and cognitive neuroscience. We will examine the emergence of memory as an object of study within these disciplines, and focus on the interplay of individual and collected/collective memory. We will discuss the social marking of time and temporal ordering, as well as the individual and collective processes of attention and dis-attention in conjunction with historical narrative. We will analyze the processes by which individual memories are shared by larger collectivities, and the ways in which practices, spaces, and objects become a means to articulate, legitimate, and construct personal biographies and collective identities. Additionally, we will explore issues of cultural transmission and cultural continuity. Students will write a detailed research proposal on the topic of their choosing, design/conduct original research, and complete a 5-15 page final paper. In addition, students will keep ‘concept journals’ and write short responses to assigned questions/activities throughout the course. Participation, attendance, and attention to all assigned readings are expected and essential to the evaluation process, as is evidence of critical thinking.