Cultural Heritage in Transformation from edX

In recent decades the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage has become a crucial global challenge. In this context, the trend towards largescale urbanization raises questions as to how new development can take place which respects and maintains the intrinsic values and unique qualities which have been handed down from previous generations, particularly within urban areas.

The course addresses these themes by providing participants with the skills to define, explore, conserve, utilize and manage cultural heritage. Throughout the course, you will be introduced to various methodologies and thematic approaches relevant to these skills using the City of Aachen as an example. Through case studies drawn from Aachen and beyond, you will explore examples at a range of spatial scales; from landscape and city scale to individual buildings and artifacts.

Revision questions and assignments will enable you to consolidate your newly acquired skills and to implement these approaches within the city or town of your choice.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The process of defining cultural heritage
Various methods to explore cultural heritage

Practices dedicated to sustaining cultural heritage and its assets
Adaptation strategies regarding the utilization and the management of cultural heritage

The process of defining cultural heritage
Various methods to explore cultural heritage
Practices dedicated to sustaining cultural heritage and its assets
Adaptation strategies regarding the utilization and the management of cultural heritage

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Approaching Cultural Heritage: Introduction to the CourseWeek 1 covers the introduction of RWTH Aachen University, its Faculty of Architecture and the Cultural Heritage Group in which several departments team up to approach cultural heritage from various perspectives but with a comprehensive and systematic approach.

WEEK 2: Approaching Aachen: Introduction to the City and its Cultural HeritageIn Week 2, the City of Aachen and its cultural heritage are used as a starting point for the course. The history of the city is briefly outlined and its heritage features are introduced at their different spatial scales, from landscape and city scale to individual buildings and artifacts.

WEEK 3: Defining Cultural HeritageIn Week 3, the process of defining cultural heritage is discussed. This process is approached through criteria-based and also from socially based perspectives. The module gives special emphasis to UNESCO World Heritage, with the Aachen Cathedral providing an outstanding example.

WEEK 4: Exploring Cultural HeritageWeek 4 is dedicated to using various methods to approach and describe cultural heritage. These methods range from archeological to experimental research. They are again exemplified by the City of Aachen’s heritage features.

WEEK 5: Conserving, Utilizing and Managing Cultural HeritageDuring Week 5, an insight in practices dedicated to sustaining cultural heritage and its assets is provided. Due to ongoing challenges such as urbanization and the globalization of markets, the conservation of heritage for intrinsic value alone is not always possible. Against this background, adaptation strategies such as the utilization and management of cultural heritage are explained during this week. Whilst developing these themes, the presenters will move beyond the example of Aachen and report on innovations which have happened in other European regions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers theoretical frameworks for defining cultural heritage that are useful in a variety of fields

Utilizes real-world examples for bringing concepts to life

Features world-renowned professors who are highly respected in the industry

Teaches methods for defining, exploring, conserving, utilizing, and managing cultural heritage

Offers specialization in the conservation and management of cultural heritage

Suitable for advanced students looking to enhance their knowledge in the field

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cultural Heritage in Transformation with these activities:

Review the UNESCO World Heritage Convention

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Examine the key principles of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention to gain a deeper understanding of its role in protecting cultural heritage.

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Read the UNESCO World Heritage Convention text available on the UNESCO website.
Identify the different categories of cultural heritage defined by the convention.
Explore the criteria used to determine which sites are designated as World Heritage Sites.

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Career center

Learners who complete Cultural Heritage in Transformation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cultural Heritage Manager

Cultural heritage managers are responsible for the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites and resources. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cultural heritage management, which is essential for cultural heritage managers to effectively carry out their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Heritage Manager

World Heritage Site Manager

World Heritage Site Managers are responsible for the preservation and management of World Heritage Sites. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cultural heritage management, which is essential for World Heritage Site Managers to effectively carry out their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for World Heritage Site Manager

Preservation Architect

Preservation architects specialize in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage, which is essential for preservation architects to understand the historical and cultural significance of the buildings they work on.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past peoples and cultures by excavating and examining material remains. This course provides a foundation in understanding cultural heritage, which is essential for archaeologists to interpret and analyze their findings.

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Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. This course helps architects understand the cultural and historical context of their work, which is important for designing buildings that are sensitive to their surroundings.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural anthropologists study the culture and society of different groups of people. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage, which is essential for cultural anthropologists to understand the cultures they study.

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Curator

Curators are responsible for the care and preservation of museum collections. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage management, which is essential for curators to ensure that collections are properly preserved and interpreted.

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Museum Educator

Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage, which is essential for museum educators to develop programs that are relevant and engaging.

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Public Historian

Public historians work in museums, libraries, archives, and other public institutions to engage the public with history. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage, which is essential for public historians to develop programs and exhibitions that are accessible and relevant to the public.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design and manage outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and public plazas. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage, which is essential for landscape architects to create spaces that are sensitive to their historical and cultural context.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners develop and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage, which is essential for urban planners to create plans that are sensitive to the historical and cultural context of the communities they work in.

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Historian

Historians study the past and its impact on the present. This course provides a foundation in cultural heritage, which is essential for historians to understand the historical context of the events and people they study.

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Professor

This course may be useful for those who wish to become professors in the field of cultural heritage. The course provides a comprehensive overview of cultural heritage, which is essential for professors to teach and research in this field.

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Policy Analyst

This course may be useful for those who wish to become policy analysts in the field of cultural heritage. The course provides an overview of cultural heritage management, which is essential for policy analysts to develop policies that protect and promote cultural heritage.

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Consultant

This course may be useful for those who wish to become consultants in the field of cultural heritage. The course provides an overview of cultural heritage management, which is essential for consultants to advise clients on how to protect and promote cultural heritage.

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