PM1208 | Preserving memories: Law, Social transformation and the Queer Archive

This course will introduce the idea of the archive and how the archive is important from the point of view of collective memory and collective histories. How the knowledge of the past becomes a vital part of our futures will be explored. In particular we will focus on material housed in NLSIU through QAMRA, to understand the importance of collective memory as living history. The course will explore the notion of a living archive by investigating the ideas around and relationship between memory and preservation by studying and reflecting on the collections and materials in the queer archive.

The primary material used will be from the archive including case documents, notes from deliberations, affidavits, judgements, (Trial, HC & SC) ephemera, personal interviews with lawyers and activists as well as affected parties. Secondary sources will include literature, films and podcasts.

We also aim to link up to how archives matter today through inviting practitioners in the field to deliver guest lectures. The students will be expected to participate in group discussions, as well as work on a research oriented project using material from the archive.