The study of memory has undoubtedly become a major trend in the humanities over the course of the past two decades. However, although forgetting is inseparably intertwined with remembering, research into forgetting or amnesiology has only become prominent in recent years. This workshop will explore the theme of forgetting in the political, cultural and social history of German-speaking Europe. Can it provide us with a new approach to historicising politics, culture and society?
We welcome presentations on history, culture, society and politics in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and beyond, from 1800 to the present day, as well as comparative or transnational topics. How can a focus on amnesia inform, enhance or alter our studies of the past, its remembrance and commemoration? And how might this specific focus revise our perceptions of contested German pasts and Vergangenheitsbewältigung? Contributions are invited from all relevant disciplines, and could be drawn from a wide range of research areas, including, but not limited to:
- Forgetting and institutions (the criminal law, legislation etc.)
- Forgetting and space (public spaces, architecture, ruins etc.)
- Forgetting, language, media
- Forgetting and Alltag (consumption, materiality)
- Forgetting and demographics (generational change, migration)
- Forgetting and knowledge
We welcome proposals from scholars at all career stages, from postgraduates to senior academics. Presentations will be limited to 20 minutes, a publication is envisaged, though it will not be a simple ‚proceedings’ style compendium.
Through the generosity of the DAAD Hub for German Studies at the University of Cambridge, we will be able to reimburse travel costs for most scholars of up to GBP 750 for travel from outside of Europe, GBP 250 for travel within Europe and GBP 125 for travel within the UK. Board and accommodation will be offered in Cambridge.
Please send your proposal (300 words) and a short biographical note to Philipp Ebert (pe257@cam.ac.uk) no later than 28 February 2018.