Memory, Mediation & Intercultural Relations

ICOM60042 Memory, Mediation & Intercultural Relations 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 4 Anastasia Stavridou Unit coordinator Modern Languages and Cultures 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The course unit introduces students to the central role of memory in cultural identity and intercultural relations, and to the practice of mediation in intercultural relations. It starts with an introduction to the concept of memory. Different types of memory are discussed, as well as the important question of the relationship between memory and media, and how this connects to time and space. The second theme concerns the intersection of memory and intercultural relations. Topics covered may include: cultural myths and traditions; migration, memory and cultural adjustment; and cultural contact, conflict and memory. The third section of the course unit examines mediation, both as a specific communicative practice designed to promote conflict resolution and as an interactional role adopted by interpreters, cultural brokers and others in intercultural and multilingual encounters. Drawing on research literature and empirical studies of mediation practices, we consider different approaches to mediation, as well as some of the complexities and issues involved.  The course unit introduces students to the central role of memory in cultural identity and intercultural relations, and to the practice of mediation in intercultural relations. It starts with an introduction to the concept of memory. Different types of memory are discussed, as well as the important question of the relationship between memory and media, and how this connects to time and space. The second theme concerns the intersection of memory and intercultural relations. Topics covered may include: cultural myths and traditions; migration, memory and cultural adjustment; and cultural contact, conflict and memory. The third section of the course unit examines mediation, both as a specific communicative practice designed to promote conflict resolution and as an interactional role adopted by interpreters, cultural brokers and others in intercultural and multilingual encounters. Drawing on research literature and empirical studies of mediation practices, we consider different approaches to mediation, as well as some of the complexities and issues involved.  <ul> <li>to introduce students to the concept of memory, and its role in identity </li> <li>to sensitise students to complex workings of time in the relation of memory of the past with the present and future </li> <li>to sensitise students to the sometimes powerful influence of memory, myth and traditions in all societies and cultural groups </li> <li>to explore how issues of memory, myth and tradition create both enrichment and difficulties in contexts of migration, and in intercultural relations </li> <li>to introduce students to mediation as a specific communicative practice designed to promote conflict resolution </li></ul> Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the three main themes of the course unit: memory, intercultural relations, and mediation.  Demonstrate the ability to research, analyze, discuss and present theoretical issues concerning memory, intercultural relations and mediation.  Demonstrate the ability to present a plan of an analytical assignment examining the concepts of the module in an academic presentation to peers Develop their own skills of intercultural awareness and sensitivity, as regards memory and its role in intercultural communication.  Demonstrate a good awareness of their own role and positionality in interpersonal conflict situations, and of their potential role as mediators in intercultural situations. Demonstrate a good ability to research and process information, and to present findings of research and analysis effectively both orally and in written form.  Other The skills of mediation are highly useful in employment situations, since in all workplaces there is the potential for conflict. Graduates of this programme will have an enhanced awareness of the practice and possibilities of mediation. They are likely to be interested in people-focussed jobs which require skills in relating with others, and dealing with tensions and conflict is a part of this. The focus on memory, tradition, and intercultural relations gives practical insights into potential factors leading to conflict, and hence greater ability to deal with conflict. The course offers an introduction to the central role of memory in shaping cultural identity and intercultural relations while suggesting how mediation can be used as a tool to deal with intercultural conflict. The three main themes are memory, memory and intercultural relations and mediation and the weekly topics cover the following areas:<ul><li>memory and identity</li><li>memory and culture</li><li>transnational memory and media</li><li>cultural myths and traditions</li><li>migration, memory and adjustment</li><li>cultural contact, conflict and cultural adjustment</li><li>memory and the future</li><li>mediation</li><li>cultural and linguistic mediation</li></ul>In addition to these, two sessions are devoted to assignment preparation – one before the Easter break for the Assignment 1 and one in the final week of teaching for Assignment 2.    0 Other 100% Assessment task:Assignment 1: Pre-recorded poster presentation - 20%Assignment 2: Essay - 80% Resit assessment:Assignment 2: Essay  Feedback method:Written feedback on recorded presentation.Written feedback on Turnitin for essay. Y Brown, Adam, Sodaro, Amy, Gutman, Yifat, eds. 2010. Memory and the Future: Transnational politics, Ethics and Society. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan. Erll, Astrid & Ann Rigney (eds). 2009. Mediation, Remediation and the Dynamics of Cultural Memory. Berlin & New York: Walter de Gruyter. Kramsch, Claire. 2020. Language as Symbolic Power. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Roberts, Marian. 2007. Developing the Craft of Mediation: Reflections on Theory and Practice. London & Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley. Ritivoi, Andreea Deciu. 2002. Yesterday’s Self: Nostalgia and the Immigrant Identity. Rowman & Littlefield. Rothberg, Michael. 2009. Multidirectional Memory. Stanford: Stanford University Press. Smith, Anthony D. 1999. Myths and Memories of the Nation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Tint, Barbara. 2010. History, Memory and Conflict Resolution: Research and Application. Conflict Resolution Quarterly 27(4): 369-399. Van Dijck, José. 2007. Mediated Memories in the Digital Age. Stanford: Stanford University Press.  Seminars 22 0 128