home

TYPE OF TEXT: Multimedia TITLE: September 11: Bearing Witness to History WEB ADDRESS http://americanhistory.si.edu/september11/ ORGANISATION: Smithsonian National Museum of American History COURSE: Advanced MODULE: Module C: Representation and Text Elective: History and Memory

DESCRIPTION In the elective, History and Memory, students will consider their prescribed text and other texts which explore the relationships between individual memory and documented events. Students analyse and evaluate the interplay of personal experience, memory and documented evidence to broaden their understanding of how history and personal history are shaped and represented.

The following annotations are based on the criteria for selection of texts appropriate for study for the Higher School Certificate.

MERIT AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE • The site, which is contained within the Smithsonian Institution’s website, is an online exhibition that presents a collection of objects documenting the attacks on September 11 and their aftermath. • The site presents a selection of objects, images, and personal stories from the National Museum of American History’s commemorative exhibition, September 11: Bearing Witness to History. The site is divided into three sections: Collection, Exhibition and Tell Your Story. • The site presents an opportunity for students to study an online exhibition which examines a significant historical event in world history. It presents numerous accounts of the event allowing students to explore individual memories and the documentation of the event.

NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF STUDENTS • The website will appeal to a wide range of English (Advanced) students, as September 11 is date that they recognise. • The historical context offers scope for discussion relating to values and attitudes about survival, humanity, courage, power and security. • The site allows the relationships between individual memory and documented events to be explored. • Students will explore the numerous individual snapshots. They will consider how skilfully the Smithsonian National Museum of American History has been able to capture the individual voices through photographs and videos of objects and people. It also provides an opportunity for individuals to document their memories of the event.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHALLENGING TEACHING AND LEARNING • Students can explore the construction of the website and the layers of reading and responding pathways available. • The text offers opportunities for students to reflect on individual perspectives and to consider the role of personal and cultural memory. • Students may reflect on the role of an online exhibition in representing an important event. • The text provides opportunities to critically examine the techniques used to evoke the poignancy of the event, and to consider questions about audience, purpose and context.