Even though trauma is often a personal experience, it can also affect groups, regions, and even whole nations. This course explores the notion of social trauma by focusing on its emergence, commemoration, and transmission in different societies. How do ideas of trauma stay constant across generations? And what are the consequences of these processes in a variety of sites such as politics, social activism, art, and domestic life? The main analytic assignment enables students to further explore a site of their choice that represents collective trauma. Upon collection of primary evidence, students will analyze their case using the concepts and readings covered in class.

Syllabus