The lecture discusses memory as a contemporary and contested social practice and examines the organizational and institutional conditions underlying conflicts over memory. The point of reference is ethnographic research at Nazi memorial sites (DFG project InWiWa), which demonstrates how memory of the history of violence under National Socialism is constructed, shifted, and (de)institutionalized in the context of the mediation, interpretation, and appropriation of knowledge. The analyses are linked to work on two concepts: the concept of the contact zone as a site of encounter between (knowledge) differences, and the concept of translation, which makes memory understandable as the establishment, negotiation, and displacement of the past. In this way, the focus falls particularly on the material, organizational, and institutional conditions of spaces where the struggle for memory takes place. It becomes apparent, for example, that different bodies of knowledge and approaches, as well as the rules governing their transmission, are disrupted and shifted in contact zones, and that questions regarding who remembers, what is remembered, and what is remembered or forgotten are the result of negotiation, positioning, and (de)institutionalization.
Nicolas Engel is an educational scientist and holds the Chair of Education with a focus on Organizational Education at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. Previously, he was a professor (W1TT) of adult education and organizational research at Goethe University Frankfurt/Main. He earned his doctorate at FAU with an ethnographic dissertation on issues of organizational learning in the context of cultural translation. His research and teaching focus on general pedagogy as well as pedagogical organizational and institutionalization research. Current research projects address, among other things, “Erziehung anach Auschwitz” in shifting constellations of memory, the dynamics of the (de)institutionalization of memory and knowledge transmission, and issues of justice, diversity, and equality in the context of higher education institutions. Another focus is on developing pedagogy as a critical cultural studies discipline.
The space is accessible by elevator. There are two accessible restrooms on the first floor (1.G40s and 1.G40h).
There is an all-gender restroom (1.G40n) on this floor with standing and seated toilets. There is also a FLINTA* restroom (2.G40q) on the 2nd floor of the CGC.
The CGC strives to ensure the best possible accessibility for its events. If you require assistance to participate in our event, please let us know your support needs by June 10, 2026, via email to cgcentrum@soz.uni-frankfurt.de. We will then do our best to mitigate any barriers within our capabilities.
You are welcome to attend this event with your children. Please contact us at the email address above by June 10, 2026, if you would like us to arrange childcare as well. We look forward to your participation.
