Historical Cultures

Memory and Historical Consciousness explores the relationship between individual and collective histories. It incorporates fields such as memory studies, oral history and historical consciousness.

Research outline

STREAM LEADER
Anna Clark

Researchers in this stream seek to build research networks in the field by improving academic engagement with colloquial histories. We explore the potential of intimate histories and life stories to fill gaps in official histories, and pursue teaching and professional development in the fields of oral history, life stories, and historical consciousness.

Key research questions include:

  • How can we use methods such as oral history to gauge community attitudes to national historical questions and debates?
  • What is the relationship between collective and individual memory?
  • What do vernacular historical discourses tell us that collective/official/public historical discourses cannot? (silences, injustice, propaganda) 
  • Does oral history have a radical potential?
Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.