Workshop „Memory discourses in a post migrant German society“
This course will examine texts that address current discourses on memory in post-migrant society in Germany. Together, we will focus on conversations and discussions about selected texts. No prior knowledge is needed, and no preparation for the individual sessions is necessary. Please note that the sessions of this course will be used for academic purposes. Participants should have completed level B2 or should currently be enrolled in a B2 class.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to delve deeply into cultural studies topics and questions. I found that conventional „regional studies“ lessons, which simply present and deal with facts and information about German-speaking countries, their festivals, and traditions, did not fully capture the essence of what I imagined cultural studies in foreign language teaching to be about. In a post-migrant society, I saw the need for a more nuanced approach. Germany is a country of immigration, which is so much more than just knowing the language of the country and a few hard facts about historical events and holidays. At a time when people are constantly moving within and beyond national borders, I am therefore asking myself the following questions: How can or should people think about the history of the country they have immigrated to? And how does the process of immigration change the relationship between history and memory? Above all, it is also about participation in social and historical discourses in the context of migration to Germany. Who can participate in these (public) discourses at all, and how?
It is often suggested that participation in discourses surrounding historical events is only possible if you have an ethnic and national affiliation. In the eyes of the German majority society, everyone else has arrived „too late“ and therefore has no voice.
My dissertation will focus on the context of German as a foreign language lessons.
I am particularly interested in the perspective of the participants, how they perceive these discussions, and how they see the texts. Therefore, I will use anonymized data for my PhD project. If you are interested in participating in the course, you will have to agree to have your conversations recorded for academic purposes and publications. In the class itself, short current texts dealing with memories of historical events will be read. Essays, pictures or excerpts from films will also be used. The focus will be on conversations about the texts. Participants will be provided with the necessary vocabulary, expressions and grammar along the way.
INFO
The workshop will take place as follows:
Dates: 21.06. – 19.07.24
Time: Fri, 12:00 – 13:30
Price: 0,00 € (participation is free)
Number of participants: max. 7 students
Sign up here if you’d like to participate.
Looking forward!
Your Transmitter Team
