Home > Events > Between History and Memory: oral history and the challenge of the memory boom

Between History and Memory: oral history and the challenge of the memory boom

Daniel James

Thursday, April 19, 2007
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Young Research Library 11348
Los Angeles, CA United States

The talk starts with an assessment of the current state of oral history as a discipline and in particular the relationship with memory studies. In the course of this I look at the emergence of interdisciplinary perspectives that have influenced the practice of oral history such as literary criticism and ethnography. I argue essentially that a sort of bifurcated field has emerged where academic production often differs considerably from the daily practice and use of oral testimony. I end the talk drawing on two examples that underline the complexity of the relationship between memory and history. The first draws on a short story by Italo Calvino, "Memories of a Battle" and the second draws on the use of visual imagery to commemorate e the disappeared in Argentina. I argue that underlying both examples is an unresolved tension concerning the claims and needs of history and memory.

Cost: Free and open to the public

For more information please contact

Robin Derby
derby@history.ucla.edu
www.international.ucla.edu/lac/

Sponsor(s): Latin American Institute