Cultural Heritage and Landscapes: Theories and Methodologies

This module critically examines the concepts of culture, heritage, and cultural landscapes through diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. It begins by unpacking the multiple and often conflicting meanings of culture that have emerged over the past two centuries, establishing a foundation for understanding heritage as a contested and dynamic field. The course introduces key debates within Critical Heritage Studies, including differing interpretations of heritage, authenticity, and value systems, alongside the historical development of monument preservation. It explores how norms, principles, and international frameworks—such as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention—shape heritage practices, while also addressing their limitations and tensions, particularly in relation to local contexts and indigenous perspectives. Students engage with a wide range of interdisciplinary methods drawn from the social sciences, cultural anthropology, and historical research, applying them to the analysis of cultural and urban landscapes. The module also examines competing notions of landscape across disciplines and introduces critical landscape studies as a means of challenging dominant representations. Through case studies, field-based exercises, and seminar discussions, students develop analytical skills to interpret landscapes, assess heritage values, and understand governance challenges. The module ultimately equips students to approach heritage critically, reflexively, and within broader social, political, and environmental contexts.