Cantinho da História 136: Le Goff História e Memória

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of Pierre Léon’s *História e Memória*, a key reference work for studying history and historiography. The book compiles Léon’s contributions to the *Enciclopédia Inalde*, offering clear explanations of essential concepts like history, memory, and historiographical methods. The speaker emphasizes the value of active reading, noting, and engaging in dialogue with both the text and peers. They also critique some university teaching methods that isolate students from meaningful discussion, advocating for a more interactive and collaborative learning approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses a specific work by historian Jacques Le Goff, focusing on his contributions to the 'Encyclopedia Inaldé,' particularly the concepts related to history and memory.
• 😀 Le Goff’s work is not a narrative history but an encyclopedia-like reference book with individual entries on important historical concepts, ideal for theoretical study of history.
• 😀 The book is essential for understanding key concepts in history like history itself, memory, documents, monuments, and other theoretical elements related to historiography.
• 😀 Le Goff’s work is considered highly valuable for students of history, especially those in undergraduate and postgraduate studies, due to its accessible yet profound treatment of history theory.
• 😀 The book is often used by the speaker to prepare lectures and engage in discussions with students, and it is suggested as a useful resource for deepening understanding of key historical concepts.
• 😀 Le Goff explores the difference between 'documents' (materials historians select for writing history) and 'monuments' (memory-laden objects ratified by society).
• 😀 The speaker encourages students to engage deeply with the book, using markers, notes, and active reading techniques to extract and understand key concepts and their historical context.
• 😀 The speaker critiques the lack of a standardized reading list for history students across different universities, suggesting that students often face inconsistent expectations depending on the teacher’s preferences.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the importance of dialogue in the learning process, stressing that professors should engage with students in discussions, rather than relying on solitary learning or autodidacticism.
• 😀 The speaker advises students to not just passively read academic texts but to interact with them, ask questions, and engage in discussions with professors and peers to maximize their learning experience.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The script discusses the importance of historical theory and memory, specifically focusing on the work of historian Pierre Nora and his contributions to historiography. It emphasizes how historical concepts like 'history', 'memory', and 'documents' shape the understanding of history and how they are applied in the academic study of the discipline.

What is the significance of the book mentioned in the transcript?

The book mentioned is an essential reference for history students and scholars. It is a compilation of the entries written by Pierre Nora for the 'Encyclopédie Inale', and it covers critical historical concepts such as memory, history, document, monument, and more. It serves as an invaluable resource for students and researchers, particularly those in undergraduate or graduate programs.

How does the book structure its content?

The book is structured as a collection of encyclopedia-style entries, rather than a traditional narrative or linear academic work. It focuses on definitions and explanations of key historical concepts, and each entry is approached in a concise and didactic manner, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced learners.

Why does the speaker recommend this book to undergraduate students?

The speaker recommends this book because it provides clear, theoretical insights into fundamental historical concepts. It is especially valuable for students who are new to the field, as it offers a direct and structured approach to learning theory, something that many textbooks lack. It is particularly useful for students who wish to deepen their understanding of history, memory, and historiography.

What does the speaker say about the teaching approach in universities?

The speaker criticizes the approach in which professors expect students to independently master complex theories and a wide range of authors without proper guidance. The speaker believes professors should engage more in dialogue with students, providing clear direction and encouraging meaningful interaction with the material.

What is the difference between a 'document' and a 'monument' in historiography?

In historiography, a 'document' is a source selected by the historian to write history, while a 'monument' is a piece of history that society has chosen to preserve as a form of collective memory. The speaker highlights that monuments hold a social significance, as they are maintained and remembered by the broader society.

What does the speaker suggest is a common issue in university history programs?

The speaker points out that there is no common curriculum or consistent set of recommended readings for history students. While certain authors are universal, many professors have their own preferences, leading to a lack of standardization in how history theory is taught across different universities and regions.

How does the speaker feel about the idea of independent learning in the humanities?

The speaker criticizes the idea that students should be left to learn on their own, particularly in complex fields like history. While some autonomy is necessary, the speaker believes that students benefit from structured guidance and dialogue with professors, and that self-study alone is insufficient for true understanding.

What does the speaker suggest is essential for successful learning in history?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of active engagement with the material, including annotating texts, questioning concepts, and having discussions with both peers and professors. Dialogue is seen as a key element for transforming knowledge into something meaningful and applicable, rather than a solitary, passive memorization process.

Why is the work of Pierre Nora particularly relevant for students of history?

Pierre Nora's work is considered fundamental because it addresses essential concepts in the theory of history, particularly memory and historical consciousness. His method of breaking down abstract concepts into understandable and digestible entries provides a solid foundation for anyone studying history, from beginners to advanced scholars.