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?