The course introduces theoretical models and qualitative approaches for the discursive analysis of national memory. Within the course, students will learn how to analyze the symbolic content of politics. They will be familiarized with different qualitative methods to examine how national memory is shaped by different socio-political actors (e.g., in the form of national narratives, memorials) and how, in turn, national memory also shapes their interests and choices. The content of the course is focused on studying (1) theoretical explanations of the national memory; (2) textual and visual narrative analysis; (3) the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) to examining national memory narratives; and (4) ethnographic methodology aimed at decoding the symbolic meaning of artifacts (e.g., monuments, museums) of national memory. After completing the course, students will have learned to utilize qualitative methodology, applicable not only for researching the symbolic content of national memory but also for examining various other political discourses. The course will finish with a mini-conference, where students present their qualitative findings (case studies) on national memory, using the relevant knowledge they acquired during the course. During the conference, students will be given an opportunity to train their critical skills by discussing their fellow students’ papers.
- Trainer/in: Polina Zavershinskaia