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Learning and Monitoring Log

Name: Kynn O. Lebrillo
Student number: 201908343
Lesson: Collective Memory
Required reading material: “Space and the Collective Memory” in the book by Maurice
Halbwachs entitled The Collective Memory.

Complete briefly and honestly each statement:

I used to think that physical surroundings and spaces are not really that much of a factor
in shaping memories. I also thought that memories were individualized, like a person
would have complete control on how they would remember their memories.
Now I know that although memories vary from individual to individual, many memories
are shaped by our surroundings and that individual memories were constructed within
social structures and institutions. I also learned about how collective memory plays an
important role in connecting the past to the present and building continuity, social unity
and cohesion to societies. I also appreciated collective events such as commemorative
events more because I now know that it helps reinforce memories that can fade over
time without periodic memory enforcement.
However, I am not sure if my understanding about how collective memory shaped the
present is correct, that it is as simple as using the past to explain current issues and
events.
I hope the following topics or matters can be improved
 How memory are reconstructed to explain the present (?)

Overall, I feel kind of overwhelmed with what I just read because the reading were
lengthy and have small fonts but it is very informative which is kind of confusing to me
cause I have a hard time in organizing ideas. But still, Halbwachs widened my
perspective on how memories are shaped and used individually and collectively.

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Modified from the Course packs of Prof. Portia D. Padilla of UP Diliman, College of Education, and Prof. Sonny
Fernandez of UP Visayas, College of Social Sciences.