DSPO 27A71 - Heritage Policies and Governance

The Heritage Policies and Governance course explores the complex landscape of cultural heritage governance, providing students with essential knowledge and critical tools to navigate and understand the policies and frameworks that impact heritage protection worldwide. In a time of increasing globalization, heritage policies are no longer confined to national borders; instead, they are part of a layered governance structure involving international organizations, legal frameworks, and community interests. This course introduces students to the intricacies of international cultural heritage law and governance mechanisms while engaging with case studies from around the world. Students will analyse the contributions and limitations of international organisations in the protection of heritage and assess the challenges faced by national and local institutions in translating global policies into effective action. Key topics include the protection of World Heritage, combatting illicit trafficking, international heritage players and the role of heritage in the broader international and national sustainable development agenda. Throughout the course, students will confront critical questions: How is heritage protected in times of crisis? How can local identities be preserved within universal frameworks? Is there a homogenous global heritage discourse promoted by international organizations, or can we distinguish certain regional specificities?

Academic expectations

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

• Analyse the influence of international law and organisations in heritage governance. - Identify and explain key challenges facing heritage governance today.
• Apply research skills to evaluate heritage governance in crisis situations and disputes.

III. Presentation of an organization dealing with heritage issues where one could work/do an internship (10%)

IV. Class engagement 10%

Not submitting the required work in parts I-III or not engaging at all during our course (part IV 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.