Masterclass

Excavating the Past – Challenges and Opportunities in Uncovering Hidden Institutional Histories

• Prof. Tony Platt

Date

Thursday 5 September 2024

Time

12:00 - 17:30

Location

Leiden (TBD)

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 amongst which his most recent (2023) groundbreaking work "The Scandal of Cal: Land Grabs, White Supremacy, and Miseducation at UC Berkeley”, will open the day by sharing deep insights from his book, shedding light on the concealed narratives of one of America's prestigious universities.

The masterclass will guide participants through three core areas:

1. 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 to piece together a comprehensive historical account.
2. 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.
3. Leveraging Research Opportunities: Discover the potential of 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 passionate about revealing the past’s hidden layers. There will be room for 8-10 graduate students, postdocs or (advanced) master students working on projects exploring the hidden histories of institutions.

Program (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 allows for initial networking and conversation among attendees.

12:30 - 12:45 | Opening Remarks
Welcome and Introduction: Opening and an overview of the day's objectives.

12:45 - 13:45 | Session 1: Insights from "The Scandal of Cal"
Keynote Presentation: Prof. 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 beverages provided.

14:00 - 15:00 | Session 2: Research Methods and Challenges
Interactive Lecture: Prof. Platt and Senior Faculty from Leiden University/ other Universities discuss methods for researching hidden histories and the common challenges faced in this field.

Participant Discussion: Students are asked to share personal experiences or anticipated challenges in their research which will be discussed with the group.

15:00 - 15:15 | Break
Refreshments: Light snacks and beverages provided.

15:15 - 16:15 | Session 3: Opportunities and Impact
Lecture and Discussion: Larissa Schulte Nordholt (Wageningen University) and Senior Faculty from Leiden University/ other Universities explore the opportunities and potential impacts of uncovering hidden histories.

Student Reflections: Participants share insights on how these opportunities can shape their research and careers, with feedback from senior faculty.

16:15 - 17:00 | Closing Session
Wrap-up Discussion: Review of key takeaways by participants – what questions remain, how can we support each other, etc.

Closing Remarks: Final thoughts from Prof. Platt and senior faculty from Leiden University.

17:00 | Masterclass Ends
Networking Opportunity: Participants can continue informal discussions and networking over light refreshments provided after the masterclass concludes.

Registration details

Are you interested in partaking in this Masterclass? Please sent an email  before August 15, 2024 to Prof. dr. mr. Maartje van der Woude ([e-mail] ) with a short introduction who you are and how your research project(s) is/are related to the topic of this Masterclass. There are limited spots available, so please be mindful about signing up for this masterclass if you are not 100% sure whether you can actually participate.

After registration, participants will receive a list with suggested reading materials as well as an assignment to prepare before the Masterclass.

About Tony Platt

Tony Platt is the author of thirteen books and 150 essays and articles on race, inequality, and social justice in American history, among them 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 aired on National Public Radio.

Now a Distinguished Affiliated Scholar at Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Law and Society, Platt taught at the University of Chicago, the University of California, Berkeley, and California State University where he received awards for teaching and scholarship. He blogs on history and memory. He lives in Berkeley and Big Lagoon, California.