Seminars “History(s) of the Present. The formation of the contemporary world”

The seminar “History(s) of the Present. The formation of the contemporary world” will be held between February and May 2022 in several sessions. The next session is scheduled for March 16 with Alexander Keese’s participation. Focusing on “Interpreting the history of (Lusophone) Africa: transformations in the 20th century”, this seminar will start at 2.30 p.m. in the Amphitheatre III of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Coimbra.

The debate will try to identify the main currents within the historiography of (Lusophone) Africa, especially emphasising the multiple questions that have remained open. It will address, regarding the African history under Portuguese colonialism, the absence of analysis on African individuals’ agency outside the narrow framework of narratives and resistance. Regarding the exercise of colonial power, it will explore the lack (in many cases) of clearer reflections on the nature of the colonial state and its officials, as it is a non-monolithic and permanently changing regime. Also, it will address the inexistence of studies and projects to analyse post-independence experiences, particularly regarding the analysis of opposition movements and social changes within the new societies. This presentation will also feature the issue of access to sources and the sometimes complicated relationship between “imperial history” and the “social history” of African populations.

To register, please email name and address to historias.do.presente2022@gmail.com

[Posted: 07-03-2022]