Masterclass
Excavating the Past – Challenges and Opportunities in Uncovering Hidden Institutional Histories
- Prof. Tony Platt
- Date
- Thursday 5 September 2024
- Time
- Location
-
Lipsius
Cleveringaplaats 1
2311 BD Leiden - Room
- 0.02
Join us for an enlightening half-day masterclass designed for graduate students and postdocs, led by acclaimed historian and author Tony Platt. This intensive session will delve into the complexities and rewards of uncovering the often-hidden histories of institutions. Tony Platt, renowned for his critical scholarship inclusing his most recent (2023) groundbreaking work, The Scandal of Cal: Land Grabs, White Supremacy, and Miseducation at UC Berkeley, will kick off the day by sharing thought-provoking insights from his book. He will shed light on the concealed narratives of one of America's most prestigious universities.
The masterclass will guide participants through three core areas:
- Research methods for hidden histories: Explore approaches and methodologies for investigating the untold stories of institutions. Learn how to navigate archives, interpret elusive documents and employ oral histories in order to piece together a comprehensive historical account.
- Navigating research challenges: Engage in discussions about the obstacles commonly faced when delving into hidden institutional histories. This includes handling sensitive information, overcoming access barriers and dealing with resistance from those invested in preserving the status quo.
- Leveraging research opportunities: Discover the potential for bringing these hidden histories to light. Whether it’s for academic research, policy reform or social justice, uncovering these stories can significantly impact our understanding of the present and drive meaningful change.
This masterclass offers a unique opportunity to gain practical skills, engage in critical discussions and connect with peers who are passionate about revealing the past’s hidden layers. There is space for eight to ten graduate students, postdocs, master's students and advanced master's students who are working on projects concerned with the exploration of hidden institutional histories.
Programme (subject to change)
12:00 - 12:30 | Walk-in lunch and registration
Registration and networking: Participants arrive, register and enjoy a walk-in lunch. This informal setting gives attendees the opportunity to network and have initial conversations.
12:30 - 12:45 | Opening remarks
Welcome and introduction: Opening and an overview of the day's objectives. This is lead by Professor Marlou Schrover from Leiden University.
12:45 - 13:45 | Session 1: Insights from 'The Scandal of Cal'
Keynote presentation: Professor Platt shares insights from his book 'The Scandal of Cal', focusing on the discovery and interpretation of hidden institutional histories.
Q&A session: Participants engage directly with Tony in a question-and-answer segment.
13:45 - 14:00 | Break
Refreshments: Light snacks and drinks provided.
14:00 - 15:00 | Session 2: Research methods and challenges
Interactive lecture: A short introduction to the topic by Professor Marieke Bloembergen (Leiden University) and Professor Platt. They will discuss methods of researching hidden histories and common challenges in this field, with a particular focus on the differences in conducting this kind of research within varying geographical and institutional contexts.
Participant discussion: Students are asked to share and discuss their personal experiences and anticipated challenges in their research with the group.
15:00 - 15:15 | Break
Refreshments: Light snacks and drinks provided.
15:15 - 16:15 | Session 3: Opportunities and impact
Lecture and discussion: Larissa Schulte Nordholt (Wageningen University) and senior faculty members from Leiden University and other universities explore the opportunities and potential impact of uncovering hidden histories.
Student reflections: Participants share their thoughts and ideas on how these opportunities can shape their research and careers, with feedback from senior faculty members.
16:15 - 17:00 | Closing session
Wrap-up discussion: Review of key takeaways by participants. Which questions still remain? How can we support each other?
Closing remarks: Final thoughts from Professor Platt and senior faculty members from Leiden University.
17:00 | End
Networking opportunity: Participants can continue their informal discussions and networking over light refreshments after the masterclass ends.
Registration details
Interested in participating in this masterclass? Please sent an email to Professor Maartje van der Woude (m.a.h.vanderwoude@law.leidenuniv.nl) by 15 August 2024 containing a short introduction: who you are and how your research projects relate to the topic of this masterclass. There are limited spaces available so please only sign up for this masterclass if you are 100% sure that you can attend.
After registration, participants will receive a list of suggested reading materials and an assignment to prepare before the masterclass.
About Tony Platt
Tony Platt has written 13 books and 150 essays and articles on race, inequality and social justice in American history, including Beyond These Walls: Rethinking Crime and Punishment in the United States; Bloodlines: Recovering Hitler’s Nuremberg Laws, from Patton’s Trophy to Public Memorial; and The Child Savers: The Invention of Delinquency. His work has been translated into German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese. In addition to scholarly books and publications, Platt has written for the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Truthdig, History News Network, Z Magazine, Nation, Salon, Monthly Review, and the Guardian and his commentaries have been aired on National Public Radio.
Now a Distinguished Affiliated Scholar at Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Law and Society, Platt has taught at the University of Chicago, the University of California, Berkeley, and California State University, where he has received awards for his teaching and scholarly work. He also writes blogs on history and memory. He lives in Berkeley and Big Lagoon, California.