Module: HT7001-15 Developing Heritage Thinking

Level: 7

Credit Value: 15

Module Tutor: Astrid Swenson

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.swenson@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This module introduces key ideas in the development of heritage thinking, where “heritage” is represented by and through museum collections; archives; historic houses, landscapes, towns and cities, or archaeological sites. It explores the emergence of “intangible cultural heritage” as a fundamental concept within more recent thinking; and the value and meaning we attribute to our own and others’ heritage: our sense of place, identity and belonging; our dissociation with the past and the blurring of memory.

The concepts introduced here allow us to ask, later in the course, about the extent to which heritage practice has kept pace with heritage theory. How have changes in practice influenced or been influenced by academic discourse? How might heritage theory evolve in future, in light of the challenges of declining resources, sustainability, engagement and participation? Are new ideas about heritage essential to its survival as something we do, as well think about?

This module is studied in parallel with HT7002-15: Policy, Strategy, Structures, which explores some of the same ideas from the perspective of national and international policy and politics, and formal or institutional responses to the need or desire to define, designate and manage heritage.

2.Outline syllabus

This module comprises a short series of seminars in which we will work together to review and analyse key texts and statements. Some of the major topics for us to consider are:

• The “heritage debate”: how have academics and commentators characterised ‘heritage’ and its designation, management and presentation in the contemporary world?
• Heritage and power
• Making meaning: how have our ideas about meaning changed over time? What drives these changes?
• Heritage as memorial
• The concepts of tangible and intangible heritage
• Academic responses to the practicalities of conservation, interpretation and sustainable management

3.Teaching and learning activities

Seminars, presentations, visits (including self-directed visits)

Reading and exploration of core texts; discussion and analysis

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Critical Review (500 words)
• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Provocation Piece (500 words)
• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Critical Essay (2000 words)
• % Weighting: 60%