Memorials and their Meaning: Controversial Gateways to your Community's Past

Overview

From war memorials to memorial gardens, plaques to statues, placenames to public buildings; memorials surround us. They shape and are shaped by our heritage, our communities, our landscapes and our very identities.

Why do we memorialise? What or who do we commemorate? Who do memorials serve - the past or the present? Whether it’s a statue of Edward Coulston, 'Cofiwch Dryweryn' graffiti, or a new plaque; memorials are rarely out of the news and are often as controversial as they are ubiquitous.

A rapidly-growing interdisciplinary field of study, commemoration and memorialisation draws on research in heritage, placemaking, identity and community. A mine of information for investigating local history; explore the many forms, motivations, challenges and purposes of modern memorials in Wales and beyond.

Programme 

The course will consist of eight units explored through a combination of in-person and online lectures and seminars. Each of these will examine aspects of memorials and memorialisation through a number of case studies. There will also be a field-trip, consisting of a tour around Aberystwyth examining a selection of memorials.

The module will consist of eight units:

1) Introductory session: What is a memorial?

2) War memorials: We Will Remember Them

3) Cofiwch Dryweryn: Iconic and Alternative Memorials

4) Interpreting Memorials: Panels, Pamphlets and heritage interpretation

5) When statues go bad: Statues of Slavery

6) Placenames, plaques and public places

7) Memorials for the 21st century: Not just Marble-white men

8) Conclusion: Why create memorials?

Field-trip: A tutor-led, 3-hour, walking tour of Aberystwyth to explore and present memorials - date of walking tour will be agreed between the tutor and registered students

Each unit will include:

• Lectures (in-person and online)
• Seminar discussions and debates
• Activities to develop an understanding of memorials and the issues surrounding them
• Recommended readings
• Multiple case studies of memorials from Wales and elsewhere
• Demonstrations of online research resources
• Insights into professional heritage practice

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the main types of memorials found in Wales and the UK and evaluate the significance of their designs.Critically identify the role of memorials in reflecting and promoting different historical values.Evaluate memorials’ capability to selectively reinforce and undermine identities within a community.Analyse in depth a single memorial’s history and significance as part of an assessment.Critically analyse and engage with debates surrounding controversial memorials.Distinguish the value of memorials both as sources and subjects for studying local history.

Assessments

• Design an interpretation panel for a memorial of your choice (500 words) 30%
• A 1500 word essay responding to a question exploring some of the topics explored throughout the module 70%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this course is partly online, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.