Course Description
Provides students with an understanding of heritage conservation in a specific world region or country in an international context, including the evolution of the theory and practice of heritage conservation and its application in cities and/or countries within the region.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
The class is structured to ensure learning through lectures,
discussion, readings, and research projects. Graduate students
will complete additional presentations and research projects.
Each additional research/presentation project will include
additional reading requirements.
Athena Title
Reg Studies Heritage Conserv
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
A student successfully completing the course will be able to: •understand the theoretical basis of international heritage conservation and its application in the selected region or country •trace the evolution of heritage conservation principles and practices with focus on the target region or country and its key cities or other relevant political jurisdictions •demonstrate a working knowledge of key heritage conservation organizations and instruments internationally and in the selected region or country •compare and contrast heritage conservation approaches to those in the United States •describe current international trends, issues, and opportunities and their relevance to the selected region or country •discuss legal and ethical issues surrounding heritage conservation with emphasis on the selected region or country •conduct research on a topic relevant to heritage conservation in the selected region or country and write clearly and persuasively on that topic •discuss issues knowledgeably and confidently with heritage conservation professionals •participate effectively in study abroad, internships, symposia and other programs The course will rotate among different regions or countries on an annual basis.
Topical Outline
The management of cultural heritage has reached a critical stage. Political and social conflicts, massive development projects, governmental complacency, ignorance, corruption and lack of funding, substantial tourism growth, and other factors have all seriously impacted the ability to maintain, conserve and protect the world’s record of human cultural achievement. This course will focus on international efforts, and those of selected countries and regions throughout the world, to conserve and utilize cultural heritage for economic and social development and the preservation of cultural identity. Week 1 Introduction to Heritage Conservation, with emphasis on impact in region or country Week 2 Who Owns Cultural Heritage? History, Philosophy of Cultural Heritage Conservation Week 3 Charters and other International Standards and Norms; Treaties; and their application in the region or country Week 4 War/Intentional Destruction of Heritage Week 5 World Heritage with examples from the region or country; 1st Book Review Week 6 Looting/International Trafficking/Ethics of Museum Collecting Week 7 Heritage and Sustainable Development; International Institutions for Development Week 8 Heritage Tourism; Midterm Exam Week 9 Intangible Cultural Heritage Week 10 Intangible Cultural Heritage; 2nd Book Review Week 11 Regional or Country Case Studies Week 12 Regional or Country Case Studies Week 13 Regional or Country Case Studies Week 14 Papers Due; Paper Presentations Week 15 Paper Presentations Final Examination