This course offers an immersive exploration of cultural diplomacy, combining theory and practice. Students will engage with diplomats and practitioners in the field, gaining firsthand insights into cultural diplomacy's diverse strategies and approaches worldwide. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises, students will develop a deep understanding of the role of culture in international relations and its impact on fostering understanding, cooperation, and soft power. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate and contribute to the dynamic field of cultural diplomacy.
This comprehensive course on cultural diplomacy consists of 12 engaging lectures. Students will delve into cultural diplomacy's theoretical foundations and practical applications, exploring cultural exchange programs, cultural heritage preservation, public diplomacy, and intercultural communication. Each lecture will provide valuable insights from experts in the field, drawing on real-world case studies and current global issues. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive activities, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of the power and potential of cultural diplomacy in fostering positive international relations.
Course Objectives:
Theoretical Foundation: To provide a robust theoretical framework for understanding the evolving field of cultural diplomacy within the larger discourse of international relations.
Practical Insights: To offer firsthand interaction with diplomats and practitioners, thereby supplementing theoretical knowledge with empirical understanding.
Skill Development: To cultivate practical skills necessary for effectively engaging in cultural diplomacy, including negotiation, communication, and critical analysis.
Ethical Understanding: To scrutinize the ethical dimensions of cultural diplomacy, particularly in the contexts of cultural appropriation, representation, and international cooperation.
Global Awareness: To promote a nuanced understanding of global issues that can be addressed or affected by cultural diplomacy, such as international conflicts, trade relations, and human rights.
Research Acumen: To equip students with the research tools and methodologies essential for academic and professional contributions to the field.
Learning Outcomes:
Conceptual Mastery: Students will be able to articulate key theoretical constructs that underpin the practice of cultural diplomacy.
Analytical Ability: Students will demonstrate the capability to critically assess different strategies and approaches in cultural diplomacy, both in historical and contemporary settings.
Practical Skill Set: Through case studies and interactive sessions, students will acquire the practical skills needed for designing and implementing cultural diplomacy initiatives.
Ethical Consideration: Students will be conversant in the ethical complexities that cultural diplomacy presents, including questions of cultural sensitivity, ethical representation, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Interdisciplinary Synthesis: Students will integrate knowledge from adjacent disciplines like political science, communication studies, and anthropology to offer multidimensional analyses of cultural diplomacy challenges and opportunities.
Communication Skills: Students will be proficient in conveying their ideas, analyses, and recommendations clearly and persuasively, both in written and oral formats.
Global Perspective: Students will develop a global outlook, recognizing and respecting the diversity of approaches and traditions in cultural diplomacy across different geopolitical contexts.
Research Competency: Students will be equipped to conduct independent research in the field, synthesizing academic literature and real-world case studies to produce cogent arguments and analyses.
Omar MOHAMMED
Séminaire
English
None
Autumn and Spring 2024-2025
Class Participation: 30%
Written Assignments: 40%
Final Examination: 30%
Fiona McLean (2006) Introduction: Heritage and Identity, International Journal of Heritage Studies, 12:1, 3-7, DOI: 10.1080/13527250500384431
Thomas G. Weiss & Nina Connelly (2019) Protecting cultural heritage in war zones, Third World Quarterly, 40:1, 1-17, DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2018.1535894
Hansel Cook, The Deliberate Destruction of Libraries in Wartime: Sarajevo and Beyond, Focus on International Library and Information Work 39, no. 2 (2008): 56–59.