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ARCH41250

Academic Year 2026/2027

Nature & Culture: A bridge (ARCH41250)

Subject:
Archaeology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Archaeology
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Claire Cave
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module examines the conceptual, legal and ethical foundations of heritage conservation and management. We will explore how heritage is identified, valued, represented and protected at international and national levels, and critically assess how these processes shape understandings of heritage, identity and conservation practice.
The module introduces major international frameworks for heritage protection, including the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and related cultural and environmental conventions. Students will evaluate how these frameworks are implemented in practice with particular emphasis on World Heritage nomination, inscription, monitoring and the maintenance of Outstanding Universal Value. The module also considers contemporary debates surrounding contested heritage, representation, authenticity, integrity and global conservation priorities.
A central theme of the module is the relationship between nature and culture and the growing recognition of biocultural approaches to heritage conservation. Students will examine how concepts such as sustainability, resilience and sustainable development are influencing contemporary heritage policy and practice, including through approaches such as cultural landscapes, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks.
This module includes an all-day fieldtrip during Reading week (usually week 8 of the trimester) and one daytrip within the Dublin area during week 12. Students will need suitable warm clothes (do not underestimate the cold wind which occurs at the exposed heritage sites we will visit) and to wear appropriate waterproof walking boots and waterproof trousers and coat.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Critically analyse key concepts and discuss best practice principles in heritage conservation and management, including authenticity, integrity, value and representation.
2. Compare and evaluate major international frameworks and conventions relating to the protection and management of cultural and natural heritage.
3. Assess how the UNESCO World Heritage Convention is implemented in practice, including the implications of inscription, management and monitoring for different stakeholders.
4. Critically examine the interrelationships between nature, culture and sustainability in contemporary heritage theory and practice.
5. Construct and communicate clear, evidence-based arguments on contemporary heritage issues using appropriate academic and professional approaches.

Indicative Module Content:

Concepts and definitions of cultural and natural heritage; heritage values, identity and representation; contested heritage and critical heritage studies; governance, participation and rights-based approaches in heritage conservation; international cultural and environmental conventions and frameworks; UNESCO and the World Heritage Convention; Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity and integrity; World Heritage nomination, monitoring and management processes; nature-culture interrelationships and biocultural approaches; cultural landscapes, Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks; sustainability, resilience and heritage futures; contemporary debates in heritage conservation and management.

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. Competent

Critical Thinking

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

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. Proficient

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. Proficient

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Field Trip/External Visits

14
Specified Learning Activities

66
Autonomous Student Learning

140
Total

238

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module combines lectures, discussion, case-based learning and field trips to support critical engagement with contemporary heritage issues and approaches to heritage conservation. Teaching approaches include discussion, peer learning, debates, case-study analysis and reflective engagement with cultural and natural heritage sites.

Fieldtrips provide opportunities for students to critically examine heritage designations, values, perceptions and sustainability challenges in real-world contexts. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussion and debate and to develop independent critical perspectives through engagement with academic literature, policy documents and case studies.

Limited use of Generative AI tools for supportive purposes such as brainstorming, grammar checking or improving clarity may be acceptable in some contexts. However, Generative AI must not be used to generate assessment submissions or replace independent critical engagement with module material. Students remain responsible for the originality, accuracy and integrity of all submitted work and should critically evaluate any digital or AI-generated content they encounter or use.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): An essay on international heritage conventions. Approx. 3500 words. Week 7 Graded No
50
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Structured debate. Week 11 Graded No
40
 No
Reflective Assignment: Reflect on the debate, 2000 words. Week 12 Graded No
10
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Smith, L. (2006). Uses of Heritage. Routledge.
Cameron, C. and Rössler, M., 2016. Many voices, one vision: The early years of the World Heritage Convention. Routledge.
Cave, C. and Negussie, E., 2017. World heritage conservation: The World Heritage Convention, linking culture and nature for sustainable development. Routledge.
Larsen, P.B. and Logan, W. eds., 2018. World Heritage and Sustainable Development: New Directions in World Heritage Management. Routledge.

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 Tues 12:00 - 13:50
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