The aim of this workshop is to analyze the ways of addressing the themes that may evoke strong emotional reactions, or may be strongly intertwined with national identity. We discuss different methods of teaching history in the school, especially in the multi-national class. The workshop is meant to study issues of historical memory and public history, in particular, what role may history lessons play in the conflict resolution in the multicultural societies? How to deal with situations in society where there are different histories? Are history lessons meant to educate patriots or citizens?

1. Workshop:
Memory Conflicts in History
Lessons
Dr. Timur Guzairov, University of Tartu, Estonia
Merit Rikberg, University of Tartu, Estonia

2. 1. Multiperspectivity
Give a short overview of the historical event of 1944 including multiple points of view. Try to find
explanations to those contradictions that appear.
2. Analysis of the text
Compare the two texts and bring out: how is the plot constructed; what oppositions are used;
examples of emotional language; figures of speech (metaphors, comparisons); image of the self
and the other; what are the dominating motives.
3. Political correctness
Think how to tell the story in a way that would eliminate the conflict. Is it possible to find an
objective historical narrative that would fit both sides?
4. The future of the 9th of May
Your task is to think of some ideal future scenarios for commemorating the 9th of May which would
not divide society into two confronting groups. Is there something about this day to remember for
everyone? Could it bring people from different memory groups together?