UNESCO Welterbe und Immaterielles Erbe

Inhalte

Part I: UNESCO World Heritage This seminar reflects the historical development, rationale, and key principles of the UNESCO 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It critically examines the concepts of Outstanding Universal Value, authenticity, and integrity, and explores the relationship between and rapprochement of cultural and natural heritage. Students engage with processes outlined in the Operational Guidelines, and study their implementation for specific World Heritage properties. Students analyse and discuss the ssource of expertise which informs processes of the Convention, including the role of Advisory Bodies and international cooperation. Through selected case studies, the course analyses practical challenges in the process of World Heritage inscriptions and the long-term protection of World Heritage properties. Part II: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage This seminar focuses on the conceptual foundations and practical implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It explores the domains of intangible cultural heritage recognized in the Convention and analyses objectives and processes, with particular attention to safeguarding, transmission, and community participation as central principles. Students examine the mechanisms of inventorying, nomination, inscription on the Representative List, the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and the Register of Good Safeguarding practices. The seminar also discusses the shift from protection to safeguarding, the role of communities and practitioners, and the shifting relationships between intangible heritage, identity, and sustainable development. Case studies illustrate contemporary debates surrounding representation, commodification, and the impacts of recognition on dynamic cultural practices.