Aufklärung, Bildung, 'Histotainment'?

The collected volume presents the contributions from the conference of the same name held in March 2007, where scholars and practitioners from the fields of history education, political education, and contemporary historical research came together for an interdisciplinary dialogue. What can these areas of work contribute at the beginning of the 21st century regarding a sustainable historical-political consciousness in our society? The issue of learning to engage with contemporary historical topics is addressed by defining current academic positions, discussing empirical explorations, and presenting approaches from relevant practical fields. The focus is on both young people as learners in schools, youth meeting places, and museums, as well as the far-reaching educational effects of mass media offerings in society.