Vorlesung/Seminar
4 SemesterwochenstundenBTU-Vorlesungsverzeichnis ↗- Dienstag13 Okt 2026 bis 09 Feb 202709:15 bis 13:00
Titel auf Englisch: Heritage Theories and Methods
The World Heritage Studies programme at BTU is distinguished by its interdisciplinary orientation, and this foundational module provides the intellectual and methodological grounding for engaging with heritage from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Developed collaboratively by the academic fields contributing to the programme, it introduces students to the diverse theoretical foundations, epistemologies, and methodologies that underpin heritage studies. The module addresses fundamental questions such as: What theoretical frameworks do different disciplines employ in their study of heritage, cultural heritage, and World Heritage? What are the key debates currently shaping these fields? What methodologies are used to analyse and critically assess heritage sites and heritage processes? Under what conditions is an argument or conclusion considered accurate and sufficiently justified within a given discipline? Over the course of the semester, students will engage with key approaches from cultural and heritage management, architectural conservation, transcultural studies, the sociology of technology and the environment, political and cultural anthropology, and architectural history. Students will gain an overview of how different disciplines approach key methodological and conceptual challenges in heritage studies and, on this basis, generate knowledge. Cultural and heritage management will introduce students to the complexities of applying management and governance approaches to cultural institutions, World Heritage sites and heritage projects. Architectural history will provide insights into documentation techniques and the detailed study of historic buildings and settlements. Architectural conservation will address the fundamentals of preserving monuments, ruins, and archaeological sites, examining both theoretical and practical dimensions of intervention. From a transcultural studies perspective, the module will critically engage with debates on the designation of World Heritage sites within the context of asymmetrical globalisation processes and geopolitical tensions. The discussion of anthropological approaches will incorporate ethnographic methods, further expanding this debate by examining heritage-making as a social and political practice. Through this combination of disciplinary perspectives, theoretical inquiry, and applied case studies, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how different academic fields conceptualise, analyse, and engage with World Heritage—both in theory and in practice.
Keine
Keine
This module is assessed through two components: Prerequisite (not graded): Written commentary (up to 2,000 words) on the approaches to heritage by one discipline presented during the course, to be prepared by students in groups. The commentaries should guide by the overarching question of how a discipline generates scientific knowledge and robust findings, considering the empirical methods, theoretical frameworks, and analytical approaches employed. They must incorporate additional sources to those presented in the course, collected through individual research by the students. Final Examination (graded): A 90-minute written examination that assesses students’ ability to critically engage with key concepts, theories, and methodological approaches discussed throughout the course.
Wahlpflichtkomplex: Kein Komplex genannt
Wahlpflichtkomplex: Kein Komplex genannt
| Studiengang | Abschluss | Wahlpflichtkomplex |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Conservation and Site Management | Master | Kein Komplex genannt |
| World Heritage Studies | Master | Kein Komplex genannt |
In the event that the module cannot be taught or tested according to the present description (e.g. for reasons of infection protection), the alternatives communicated on relevant platforms (e.g. homepage of Moodle) apply. The Module may be taught in a hybrid format
Was Studierende über dieses Modul sagen. Die BTU hat damit nichts zu tun — hier schreiben nur Studierende, und jede Bewertung ist die Meinung einer einzelnen Person.