This submodule introduces key definitions and concepts in cultural heritage protection, focusing on tangible and intangible heritage and their roles in shaping historical continuity and social identity. It explores the relationship between cultural heritage preservation and sustainability, emphasizing the need to balance legal frameworks, institutional policies, and community-led initiatives with economic development and environmental concerns. The related lecture also examines the historical evolution of international heritage governance, particularly the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention, its successes, and its controversies. Through case studies such as the Abu Simbel relocation, students will engage with the complex realities of heritage management, global cooperation, and contested narratives in conservation.
| LECTURE 1_Cultural heritage & sustainable development_Key definitions & concepts |
||
| READING 1_Meskell_UNESCO & World Heritage Convention Required assignment | ||
| READING 2_Tamborrino et al_Cultural Heritage in context_The Temples of Nubia Required assignment | ||
| FORUM 1a: The Politics of Heritage: UNESCO, Global Governance, and Cultural Priorities UNESCO’s World Heritage framework is often seen as the gold standard for heritage protection, yet it operates within a complex global political and economic system. Meskell critiques how UNESCO’s decision-making reflects power dynamics between nations, donor interests, and international politics. The Nubian campaign to save the Temple of Abu Simbel set a precedent for global heritage rescue efforts, but it also raised questions about whose heritage is prioritized and who decides what is worth saving. - Think about a World Heritage site in your country or a heritage site you are familiar with. How has its UNESCO status (or lack thereof) influenced its preservation and management? Do you think international recognition has been beneficial or has created challenges? - Meskell argues that political and economic interests influence UNESCO’s heritage decisions. Can you think of cases where political motivations have shaped how heritage is valued, preserved, or erased in a country or region? |
||
| FORUM 1b: Heritage in Context: The Case of the Nubian Temples and Changing Preservation Ethics The Nubian temples’ relocation in the 1960s was a landmark in international heritage conservation, yet it also reflected a limited view of what was worth saving. The effort preserved monumental temples, but the broader cultural landscape—including vernacular architecture, local communities, and intangible heritage—was largely overlooked. Tamborrino and Wendrich argue that heritage cannot be fully understood or preserved without its original context. Modern digital tools (e.g., 3D reconstructions, GIS) now offer ways to reimagine lost settings. Is it enough? - Think of a heritage site in your own country or region that has been relocated, reconstructed, or altered due to preservation efforts, urbanization, or development. How did these changes affect its meaning, use, or significance? - The concept of cultural landscapes has evolved significantly since the Nubian campaign. Today, UNESCO emphasizes the relationship between people, place, and heritage. Do you think current heritage preservation efforts in your country adequately consider this broader context? Why or why not? - Digital heritage tools (3D modeling, VR reconstructions, GIS mapping) are often used to “restore” lost heritage or enhance interpretation. Have you encountered any digital projects in your own country or cultural background? Do you think these technologies create a meaningful connection to heritage, or do they risk constructing an artificial past? |
||
| WRITING ASSIGNMENT - Policy brief POLICY BRIEF EXERCISE: Heritage conservation and economic development are often in tension, as seen in the Nubian campaign and many contemporary cases worldwide. This assignment asks you to step into the role of a heritage consultant advising a government on a current or hypothetical conflict between cultural heritage preservation and economic development. Your assignment is to write a +/- 500-word policy brief that presents a balanced, well-supported argument for resolving the issue. Why This Matters: Heritage conservation is rarely just about preserving the past—it intersects with economics, politics, and social change. Through this assignment, you will engage with real-world policy challenges and develop practical skills in advocacy, negotiation, and problem-solving—key abilities for anyone working in cultural heritage, urban planning, or sustainable development. |
