Myth, Memory, and History
The Myth, Memory, and History theme is concerned with the ways in which culture shapes people's perception of themselves as well as how self-identity shapes the culture around us. It looks at how the concept of identity is linked to questions of historical tradition, culture, and representation, as well as to such issues such as ethnicity, gender, class and region. While society and culture often shapes identity in hegemonic ways, boundaries, "resistance" and "affirmation" can also be vital in shaping identities and cultures.
The
Myth, Memory, and History theme encourages the comparative study of cultural
influences on identity formation, including the rise of allegiances to
states, ethnic groups, and other identities. Students may use this
multidisciplinary approach to interpret culture and identity in relation
to larger global issues, or they may concentrate on micro- identities and
cultures such as those shaped by professional or sectarian concerns.
Identities and cultures as subjects of study includes religious, artistic
and scientific cultures as well as ethnic, national and global
cultures.