Module overview
This module takes a global perspective and deals with the many varieties of cultural heritage from the tangible built environment to intangible heritage represented by a society’s traditional knowledge and customs. It will explore the reasons we do, or should, value cultural heritage; from the recognition in the ‘Universal Declaration’ that participation in the cultural life of a community is a Human Right, to the economic benefits that cultural heritage tourism increasingly brings in a globalized world. It will explore the theoretical frameworks used to study cultural heritage and the ethical and legal frameworks used to protect it. It will look at how cultural heritage is presented, and the role this plays in shaping national, community and individual identities.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- global frameworks for the protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
- theoretical and ethical frameworks within cultural heritage studies;
- cultural heritage and the construction of identity;
- key issues and debates within cultural heritage studies;
- the nature and value of cultural heritage in various global contexts;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- apply appropriate theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to relevant debates.
- critique and present your own evaluation of key issues relating to cultural heritage;
- assimilate and synthesize theories and approaches relating to cultural heritage;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- apply and develop key skills in critical thinking, analysis, information-handling and written communication.
- evaluate evidence on paper or in the field;
Syllabus
What is cultural heritage and why value it?; global and local frameworks for the protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage; cultural heritage and identity; cultural heritage and ethics; cultural heritage, economics and globalization; case studies in tangible and intangible cultural heritage; interpretation and presentation of cultural heritage.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures
Seminars
Film showings
Visit to heritage sites
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 24 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
| Wider reading or practice | 44 |
| Completion of assessment task | 30 |
| Follow-up work | 6 |
| External visits | 16 |
| Lecture | 18 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Howard, P. (2003). Heritage: management, interpretation, identity. A&C Black.
Logan, W., Craith, M.N. and Kockel, U. eds., ( 2015). A companion to heritage studies (Vol. 28). John Wiley & Sons.
Ireland, T. and Schofield, J. (2015). The ethics of cultural heritage.. New York: Springer.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Formative
This module has been designed around providing substantial amounts of formative feedback within the classroom environment through the provision of student-led seminars and formative presentations. This will allow students from a diverse range of backgrounds to explore their personal and/or regional interests in cultural heritage, and to receive formative feedback and peer review in advance of the summative assessed seminar.
Summative
There are two assessed essays which will be staggered within the module to allow feedback from the first to inform and aid the student in the writing of the second.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Seminar presentation
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 60% |
| Essay | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 60% |
| Essay | 40% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 60% |
| Essay | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External