This module introduces the students to the practice of cultural heritage management as a driver of sustainable development, reconciling conservation requirements with local development needs and integrating heritage protection into urban and regional planning. The module provides comprehensive multidisciplinary understanding of the methodological and practical aspects of heritage management planning in the context of sustainable development. These include field documentation, analysis of primary and secondary data, design interventions, and review of international heritage policy and best-practice towards assessing heritage values, identifying protection requirements, priorities and measures, producing conservation and development guidelines, and devising appropriate awareness raising and dissemination strategies.
Upon completion of this module the students will be able to: a) recognise and leverage the potential of material and immaterial heritage assets to contribute to all dimensions of sustainable development; b) devise principles, strategies, methods and approaches for their conservation and management that are aligned with broader sustainable development objectives; c) showcase said heritage assets to the wide spectrum of stakeholders, including government and policy makers, cultural institutions, practitioners, local communities and the general public.
Working on real-life cases and interacting with peers as well as staff with world-leading expertise in heritage management and development, students will develop an international and multidisciplinary outlook as professionals/citizens and an ability to appraise and respond to issues from a variety of cultural perspectives.
The module is delivered through lectures, Q&A sessions and workshops. Lectures and workshops will focus on the application of methods, approaches and strategies for heritage management in the context of sustainable development. Q&A sessions will provide a vibrant interactive platform to debate subject-specific matters with peers, staff and visiting experts.
Assessment is based on a group coursework assignment consisting in a heritage management plan, and a group oral presentation of the research background and methods, analysis findings and heritage management propositions.