ARCH20570 Cultural Heritage

Academic Year 2020/2021

In this module we will explore issues surrounding the concepts of cultural heritage, and the management of archaeological heritage. We will look at what cultural heritage is, and how the concept varies with place, time and social group. How is heritage constructed, commodified, protected and regulated? How representative are global, state or group concepts of cultural heritage, including those of indigenous peoples, and how are these contested? We will explore issues in heritage management, focusing on World Heritage Sites, archaeological Cultural Resource Management (CRM), and the ethics of archaeological practice. We will also address matters pertaining to economic development, industrial impact, conflict, and the antiquities trade.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module you will have demonstrated:
- that you can discuss aspects of the ethical, legal and administrative frameworks for cultural heritage in relation to international guidelines (e.g. UNESCO), and to particular local or group interests.
- that you have an understanding of key issues in archaeological heritage management, in Ireland and abroad.
- that you can communicate effectively in writing and by oral presentation and discussion about research problems.
- that you can collaborate with a group of your peers to produce a research outcome.
- that you can organise and carry through effective, problem-based research enquiry.

Indicative Module Content:

What is cultural heritage? Who defines cultural heritage? Who are the stakeholders?
Intangible and tangible heritage.
The role(s) and history of UNESCO. What is universally recognised cultural heritage?
The place of archaeology in cultural heritage management.
Protecting cultural heritage. Recording and preserving cultural heritage. Threats to cultural heritage.
Heritage tourism, economic development.
Cultural heritage case studies - global and in Ireland.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Small Group

8
Seminar (or Webinar)

2
Field Trip/External Visits

5
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is designated as 'blended'. Conditions allowing, most lectures will be delivered face to face, with two one-hour lectures a week, and certain online lectures. If conditions do not allow, lectures will move online. These will provide guidance for the completion of the assignments which will require critical writing and the development of research skills. Guest lecturers will be invited to deliver targeted seminars. You will do independent research of a site or monument in Dublin, which will require you to make a site visit and leading to a short graded essay, and independent group research on an international heritage issue, leading to a poster presentation. You will provide and receive (ungraded) peer review for the latter, in addition to grades from the module coordinator. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Project: Poster presentation by groups. Grades will be awarded to group as a whole; all members must demonstrate participation. Peer review of presentations will inform feedback - but not grades. Week 8 n/a Graded No

35
Essay: 2000 word limit (maximum) essay, fully cited (in text, not foot/endnotes) and properly referenced with full bibliography. Bibliography is not included in the word limit. Week 5 n/a Graded No

45
Assignment: Individual reflection on group project and presentation, 1000 words limit, essay style. Relevant citations and bibliography to be included; if included, bibliography will not be part of the max words. Week 10 n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

All work will receive individual or group feedback post-assessment. Depending on the situation, this may be online. Peer review activities will apply only to the group presentation, and will be as commentary only, not influencing grades.

Tilden, F. & Craig, R.B. 2007, Interpreting our heritage, University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill.

Meskell, L., 2018. A Future in Ruins: UNESCO, World Heritage, and the Dream of Peace. Oxford University Press

Information and podcasts etc at: https://en.unesco.org/themes/protecting-our-heritage-and-fostering-creativity

For a synopsis of some issues from one particular perspective: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-cultural-heritage/
Name Role
Dr Neil Carlin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Claire Cave Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Patrizia La Piscopia Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Jessica Smyth Lecturer / Co-Lecturer