In this course, students are made familiar with the international political framework that shapes our contemporary interaction with and debates on cultural heritage, with a specific focus on UNESCO World Heritage designations. The meaning of the concept of (World) heritage has radically changed throughout the last decades; whilst initially World Heritage designations were limited to objects and buildings, increasingly sites and (cultural) landscapes are considered as well. There is also increasing attention to immaterial forms of cultural heritage, such as artistic practices, craftsmanship and traditions. Thanks to the contribution of critical heritage studies, it is now acknowledged that, whether objects or landscape, tangible or intangible, heritage values are not intrinsic but constructed by stakeholders and communities. It is also clear that World Heritage is never undisputed and often gives rise to conflicts, ranging from armed crises to disputes relating to the management of heritage, as connected to national identities, historical traumas, tourism and economic developments, or climate and environmental changes.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.