DESN 3011 Public Memory and Commemoration

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101253

Coordinator Pamela James Opens in new window

Description Throughout history various forms of material culture (such as art, architecture, sculpture, objects and photographs) have been used to memorialize individuals as well as to commemorate events, both personal and national. As such, an examination of commemorative works offer valuable insights into the production of public memory and history. This unit explores the particular contexts of such memorials; their meaning, design and, politics. The diverse expressions of commemoration in Australia and the consequent production of public memory provides the arena for such considerations.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Graphic Arts and Design Studies

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 0528 - Dangerous Visions LGYA 1028 - Dangerous Visions

Restrictions Successful completion of 60 credit points of study in currently enrolled program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Use particular examples to explore the construct of public memory through commemorative modes.
  2. Describe the relationships between public memory, commemoration and political constructs.
  3. Analyse the relationship between the commemorative object, public memory and the aesthetic models of a particular period.
  4. Explore the consequences of changing perceptions of meaning in commemorative objects.

Subject Content

1. Design, politics and the construction of public memory.
2. The diverse expressions of commemoration
3. The changing meanings and contexts of memory: Rayner Hoff and Sacrifice
4. Public Memory, Mourning and Memorialisation: Road side memorials, funereal cultures and 'high' art commemorations.
5. Remembering and Re-Telling: Stories, images and meanings in personal collections.
6. Memento Mori and Memorabillia
7. Maintaining the past. The renovation of the Queen Victoria Building and State Theatre in Sydney and Captain Cook's cottage in Melbourne
8. Art and commemoration.

Prescribed Texts

  • Subject Reader

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject