BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
Educational Goals
Heritage Studies and ICT is a module designed to help students understand the definitions and meanings of heritage, its interpretation, and management, with reference to material, immaterial, and digital heritage. A visiting professor from abroad will teach part of the course, providing intercultural stimuli and diverse teaching approaches.
Students will explore the following questions:
- How are cultural objects and places transformed into heritage and heritage sites?
- Who are the experts and agencies involved in heritage?
- How do societies and consumers engage with heritage, and what is its impact on them?
- Who are the relevant stakeholders and actors in heritage practices?
- How is heritage managed according to the latest management practices?
- What role does politics play in heritage?
Students will acquire:
- Comprehension: Understanding the historical and critical elements necessary to grasp the basic concepts of heritage.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with the diverse typologies of heritage, encompassing natural and cultural domains, material/immaterial assets, and digital realms.
- Capacity: Ability to view heritage not just as a 'site' or 'object,' but as a cultural construction or a material/virtual product.
- Value Understanding: Awareness of the values of heritage for societies.
- Political Insight: Understanding the political and ideological implications of heritage.
- Agency Awareness: Insight into how relevant agencies and stakeholders at local, national, and international levels influence the identification, definition, valuation, management, perception, and consumption of heritage.
- Project Development: Ability to develop a heritage-based personal project (individual assignment).
The objectives of this module align with the Cultural Studies critical approach related to Travel and Tourism theories. They also fit within the general framework of the MA PMTS Course, specifically the "Languages, Art, Culture" area, which focuses on tourism and heritage in terms of their cultural impact and managerial perspectives.
Course Prerequisites
English Language Proficiency: Students are expected to demonstrate advanced proficiency in English, both oral and written, equivalent to C1 level or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Teaching Methods
This course employs a blended approach, integrating both theoretical and practical elements, with extensive use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The teaching methods include:
- Lectures: Supported by PowerPoint presentations to enhance understanding.
- International Case Studies: In-depth presentations and discussions on global examples.
- Short Videos: Viewing and analysis of relevant video content.
- Group and Individual Work: Collaborative and independent projects and discussions.
- Guided Excursions and Field Work: Hands-on learning through site visits and field activities.
After mastering the fundamental concepts of heritage and its management models, students will undertake a heritage-based individual project. This assignment will require students to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical project, demonstrating their understanding and skills.
Assessment Methods
Assessment and Evaluation
The assessment consists of a final written exam in English and previously marked written assignments (graded by the visiting professor). No oral exams will be offered.
The final grade will be expressed on a scale of 18-30. Detailed instructions will be provided at the beginning of the course.
WRITTEN EXAM: Students will complete a 2-hour written exam divided into three sections:
Multiple-Choice Section (40-45 minutes) The multiple-choice section tests your general knowledge of the course content
- 42 questions in English
- Tests recognition of key concepts, theoretical frameworks, and case studies
- Covers all assigned readings and course materials
Analysis of a Short Theoretical Passage on Heritage or Tourism (15-20 minutes) Brief analysis (approximately 10 lines) of a heritage case study or concept
Essay Question (60 minutes) One short essay in response to one question. The essay should be at least two handwritten pages
Please note: Students who demonstrate mastery of academic writing in English will receive higher grades. The use of formal register and accurate, well-structured prose is required.
Key Criteria in the Final Evaluation:
- General Comprehension: Understanding of course content and related issues
- Critical Argumentation: Ability to present well-reasoned arguments
- Thoughtful Analysis and Conceptual Synthesis: Depth of analysis and integration of concepts
- Use of References and Bibliography: Proper citation and utilization of sources
- Quality of Argumentation in Fluent English: Clarity and fluency in English academic discourse
Marking Guide:
- Outstanding (30 e lode): Excellent knowledge of course content, exceptional analysis and contextualization, precise use of academic style and technical terminology
- Very Good (30-28): Very good understanding of course content, strong analysis and contextualization
- Good (27-25): Good grasp of course content, adequate analysis, simple but correct language use
- Fair/Sufficient (24-20): Sufficient knowledge and coherence, appropriate resource use, and presentation quality. Analysis is not fully satisfactory, and responses are overly descriptive
- Barely Sufficient (19-18): Performance is overly descriptive, inadequately addressing questions
- Fail (below 18): Basic awareness of course content, performance is confused and incoherent, with significant errors
Contents
- Identification and Definitions of Heritage: Exploration of different types and scales of heritage. This includes understanding cultural, natural, tangible, and intangible heritage, and how these categories are defined and identified.
- Heritage Value, Significance, and Societal Impact: Examination of how heritage affects and is valued by societies. Topics include the social, economic, and cultural significance of heritage, and the various ways in which heritage can impact communities.
- The Authenticity Debate: Discussions on the varying perceptions of authenticity in heritage. This includes the interpretation and presentation of heritage, the role of participation in heritage experiences, and the impact of virtual experiences on our understanding of authenticity.
- Political and Ideological Implications: Analysis of the political and ideological dimensions of heritage. This section covers how heritage can be used to support political agendas, the role of ideology in heritage conservation, and the implications of these factors on heritage management.
- Heritage Conservation and Management: Overview of key actors and bodies involved in heritage at global, European, national, and local levels. This includes studying organizations such as UNESCO, the European Union, national heritage bodies, and local heritage organizations, and their roles in heritage conservation and management.
A seminar led by a visiting professor will provide an in-depth exploration of the political and ideological implications of heritage. This seminar will also focus on the integration of ICT in heritage policies and practices. It will address how technology is shaping the field of heritage, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and why ICT is becoming an unavoidable aspect of modern heritage management.
Online Resources
More information
Non-Attending Students: Regular contact with instructors is strongly recommended, whether virtual or in-person, to ensure continued engagement and access to course updates.
Erasmus Students: Erasmus students must introduce themselves to the instructors at the beginning of the academic term, regardless of attendance mode. Course requirements and examination content are identical for all students.
Course Delivery Mode: Should the course be delivered in blended or online format, the content and structure outlined in this syllabus may be modified to ensure optimal accessibility for both instruction and assessment in remote learning environments.