Construction of Identity in Romania in Relation to its Past: The Case of the Shoah in History Textbooks in Secondary Education
Author(s)
Publication Name
Publication Date
Abstract
Teaching about the Holocaust and the role of the Romanian state in these events
is still a recent happening in Romania: the process has followed a tortuous path,
between denial and distortion. In 2004 an official change to school syllabuses and
the publication of a report by the International Commission on the Holocaust in
Romania aimed to improve teaching about the Shoah in Romanian schools. This
article aims to determine to what extent the national identity of Romania is built
in relation to its past, especially to the Holocaust. The research focuses on four
Romanian history textbooks used in the tenth class (ages sixteen to seventeen at
secondary school). Our research analyses the discursive strategies used in history
textbooks published since 2004. It concentrates on the roles assigned to different
actors involved in these events. Who are the victims? Who are those responsible?
How are their actions depicted? Are they underplayed or exaggerated?
is still a recent happening in Romania: the process has followed a tortuous path,
between denial and distortion. In 2004 an official change to school syllabuses and
the publication of a report by the International Commission on the Holocaust in
Romania aimed to improve teaching about the Shoah in Romanian schools. This
article aims to determine to what extent the national identity of Romania is built
in relation to its past, especially to the Holocaust. The research focuses on four
Romanian history textbooks used in the tenth class (ages sixteen to seventeen at
secondary school). Our research analyses the discursive strategies used in history
textbooks published since 2004. It concentrates on the roles assigned to different
actors involved in these events. Who are the victims? Who are those responsible?
How are their actions depicted? Are they underplayed or exaggerated?
Topics
Main Topic: Holocaust and Memorial Holocaust Education Schools: Seconday / High Schools Schools: Non-Jewish
Genre
Geographic Coverage
Original Language
Volume/Issue
5
Page Number
213-225
Link
Link to pdf of entire issue, Remembrance and Solidarity Studies in 20th Century European History. Issue number 5. Holocaust/Shoah
Bibliographic Information
Construction of Identity in Romania in Relation to its Past: The Case of the Shoah in History Textbooks in Secondary Education. 2016: 213-225. https://archive.jpr.org.uk/object-1223
