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ARCH20570

Academic Year 2026/2027

Cultural Heritage (ARCH20570)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Helen Lewis
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this module we will explore issues surrounding the concepts of cultural 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? This module will explore international conservation instruments, declarations and treaties, including those of UNESCO; cultural heritage and human rights; cultural landscapes, Indigenous Peoples' heritage; risks to heritage, including conflict, climate change and illicit trade; and detailed case studies.

About this Module

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 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? Instruments, declarations and treaties.
The place of archaeology in cultural heritage management.
Protecting cultural heritage. Recording and preserving cultural heritage. Threats to cultural heritage. Cultural heritage and human rights.
Cultural landscapes
Heritage tourism, economic development.
Cultural heritage case studies - global and in Ireland.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Advanced Beginner

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Advanced Beginner

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Advanced Beginner

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Advanced Beginner

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Advanced Beginner

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Advanced Beginner

Normative

 The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Advanced Beginner

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Advanced Beginner

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Advanced Beginner

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Not addressed

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Advanced Beginner

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'. It is co-taught by multiple experts. Conditions allowing, lectures will be delivered face to face, with two one-hour lectures a week, and certain online materials available. 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 on heritage topics, leading to a powerpoint or video submission, and independent group research on an international heritage issue, leading to a poster and live group presentation. You will receive peer review as well as grades from the module coordinator for the live presentation. You will have a one-hour in-person exam (essay questions).

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
Archaeology PhD students (DRHSC001 Z117, DRHSC001 Z118) may audit this module only.


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual, reflective presentation (submitted only, not presented) by scripted, voice-over Powerpoint OR video. On a local heritage site of your choice. For more information see course handbook Week 11 Graded No
40
 No
Group Work Assignment: Group poster presentation on UNESCO World Heritage/Global Geoparks. For more information see module handbook Week 7 Graded No
25
 No
Exam (In-person): Final exam, essay questions End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
35
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 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
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written feedback on both assignments within 4 weeks after submission deadline. Presentation assignment feedback will include anonymous peer review comments (which have no impact on grade). Final exam feedback as per university regulations.

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
Assoc Professor Neil Carlin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Claire Cave Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Irene Fogarty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Patrizia La Piscopia Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ryan Lash Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Chris McCann Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Tadhg O'Keeffe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan O'Neill Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Anita Radini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Jessica Smyth Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Samantha Tobias Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
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