This course examines the dynamics of cultural heritage politics in the Middle East, focusing on its increasing significance in soft power in the region, with special attention to the Gulf, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Turkey, and Iraq. It explores how cultural heritage integrates into foreign and security policies, including attack on cultural heritage in region as well as diplomatic efforts. Students will understand how cultural heritage shapes political and diplomatic landscapes and be equipped with tools to engage in this discourse. The course includes meetings with policymakers, diplomats, and professionals in cultural heritage, which is ideal for those aiming to impact regional and global initiatives. Students will deepen their understanding and expand their professional networks by engaging directly with experts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Understand Cultural Heritage as Soft Power: Students will acquire knowledge of how cultural heritage functions as soft power in the Middle East, particularly in the geopolitical contexts of the Gulf countries, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.
2. Analyze Diplomatic and Political Strategies: Develop skills in analyzing and evaluating the role of cultural heritage within diplomatic strategies and foreign policies across the Middle East.
3. Research and Policy Formulation: Gain proficiency in conducting targeted research on cultural heritage issues and learn to formulate policies that enhance the integration of cultural heritage into national and international agendas.
4. Cross-Cultural Communication and Negotiation: Enhance cross-cultural communication and negotiation abilities, crucial for managing and mediating cultural heritage-related conflicts and collaborations.
5. Leadership in Cultural Heritage Initiatives: Acquire leadership skills specific to cultural heritage projects, including project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic decision-making in diverse and complex environments.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
1. Analytical Skills: This course will enhance the ability to critically analyze how cultural heritage policies are formed and their impact on international relations and domestic politics in the Middle East and neighboring regions.
2. Diplomatic Skills: Gain practical insights into negotiation and diplomacy, including understanding the subtleties of cultural diplomacy and the use of cultural heritage as a tool in foreign policy.
3. Research Skills: Develop robust research methodologies to study cultural heritage issues, incorporating qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather and interpret data relevant to cultural politics.
4. Policy Development Skills: Learn to craft and evaluate policy proposals that reflect an understanding of the complex dynamics between cultural heritage and political agendas in regional contexts.
5. Communication Skills: Enhance abilities to communicate complex ideas effectively, both in writing and orally, tailored to diverse audiences including policymakers, academics, and the public. This comprehensive approach to communication ensures that you are equipped to engage with a wide range of stakeholders in your future career.
6. Cross-Cultural Competence: Enhance sensitivity and understanding of cultural diversity, crucial for working effectively in international settings and within multicultural teams.
7. Strategic Thinking: This program fosters strategic thinking skills related to the use of cultural heritage in diplomacy and politics, enabling proactive engagement in policymaking and heritage management. These skills are beneficial and essential for success in cultural heritage, diplomacy, and international relations, underscoring the value and significance of this program.
8. Ethical Reasoning: Deepen ethical reasoning abilities, particularly in contexts where cultural heritage is contested or used as an instrument in political struggles.
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
- Research and Preparation for Group Work: 1 hour a week / 12 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
- Other: Meetings with experts: approximately 0.25 to 0.42 hours a week / 3-5 hours a semester
Time-frame: (Opening test assignment (Q&A) in Week 1 to gauge initial knowledge, no prior preparation required), Weekly assignments due each week from Weeks 2 to 8 (designed to support the development of the policy paper), oral presentations (group work) scheduled between Weeks 4 and 8, policy paper due in Week 10.