Ohio State University Monuments Statues and Memorials Essay

Assignment Details: (read these directions carefully!)

Essays:

• The essays for this have specific prompts. Make sure that you read the questions carefully and consider your answers.

• You must reference and cite the readings that you have chosen to discuss in your Essays

• Essays must be at least 350 words in length

Topic: Monuments, historical-cultural meaning & contested history

Read:

• What is the significance of Monuments and/or Memorials to the general public and to the artist who made them?

https://newmindseye.wordpress.com/what-is-the-significance-of-monuments-and-or-memorials-to-the-general-public-and-to-the-artist-who-make-them/

• Do Monuments Matter?

https://www.euroclio.eu/2020/04/16/do-monuments-matter/

• Who will deal with the real issues when the statues are out of sight?

https://www.euroclio.eu/2020/06/11/who-will-deal-with-the-real-issues-once-the-statues-are-out-of-sight/

Watch:

• TedTalk: Why we should defend historical monuments from destruction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owOE776veMs

• TedTalk: What Story DO America’s Monuments Tell?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8TVTlyOw64

Research:

Look up 4 monuments, statues or war memorials that are currently contested or have historically been contested. Consider why each was seen as problematic to the society. (These can be in the US or other counties – there are many new reports about Russia and England available).

Essay 2: Respond to the prompts below.

Essay 2 Prompts: Consider the following questions: What is the purpose of memorials, statues and monuments? What impact do they have on us and the way we think about history? What can we learn from war memorials and monuments about the beliefs and values of the people who created them? How can individuals and communities shape public memory and influence people’s beliefs and attitudes through the creation of memorials and monuments? Use the information from what you have read and watched to answer these questions.