DSPO 27A70 - The Council of Europe's Heritage Discourse

This course investigates the Council of Europe's (CoE) significant—yet often overlooked—role in shaping European cultural heritage governance. As one of the earliest intergovernmental organizations to embed heritage in its political and legal framework, the CoE has profoundly influenced how heritage is understood, protected, and mobilized across the continent. From post-war efforts to foster peace and reconciliation through cultural cooperation to the development of participatory and rights-based approaches in the 21st century, the course explores the CoE’s key conventions, initiatives, and policy discourses.

Students will critically examine Council of Europe’s key conventions, such as European Cultural Convention and the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society among others, alongside soft policy tools like European Heritage Days and Strategy 21. Through policy analysis, theoretical reflection, and case study work, the course offers both a historical overview and a critical lens on contemporary challenges—including democratic participation, climate change, and digitalization. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to assess the CoE’s legacy and ongoing relevance in shaping heritage governance within a complex and evolving European landscape.

Academic expectations

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Explain the historical evolution of the Council of Europe's cultural heritage policies and their connection to broader European political and social developments.

Critically analyze key CoE heritage conventions in terms of their goals, framing, implementation, and impacts.

Evaluate the CoE’s role in shaping European heritage governance in relation to identity, democracy, human rights, and participatory approaches.

Apply theoretical and policy frameworks to assess heritage governance practices and debates at national and international levels.

The assessment includes three parts, as outlined below.

Not submitting the required work in parts I-II or not engaging at all during our course (part III of the assessment), amounts to a grade of 0 in that particular part of the assessment.

During the first class, we will discuss more about what each part entails and students will have the opportunity to ask any questions.