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Leiden University

Heritage under Threat

Leiden University via Coursera

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Overview

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In this course you will learn to articulate your own concepts about (threatened) heritage and that of others. What is your heritage? Who defines heritage? Why is heritage under threat? How can we protect heritage?

WW1, WW2, Cold war politics and contemporary conflicts as well as continuing political and socio-economic inequalities and colonial pasts are all factors playing a role in the global heritage discussions and approaches to (or lack of ) valorization and protection of heritage. Hence, issues behind destruction or threats to heritage are related to complex issues, often connected to complex landscapes of wars, the war-on-terror, fundamentalism, migration, global warming, financial crises, inequality and diverse interests of local communities.

This course, sponsored by the LDE Centre for Global Heritage and Development and the Honours Academy of Leiden University, and the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO gave its support to one of the sections of the MOOC, will explore these issues. We wish to engage global communities and widen the perspective on threatened heritage. You can help us with this.

Syllabus

  • Welcome to this course
    • Great that you are joining us! In this course you will learn about your heritage and how you can preserve it. Before you start with studying we invite you to first go through our introduction module and introduce yourself in the forum to meet your fellow learners. If you encounter any difficulties while studying, please let us know on the forum. For technical difficulties or questions regarding the course certificate, you can always contact the Coursera Learner Helpdesk. Good luck & we hope you will enjoy studying in this course!
  • What is your heritage?
    • Hi everybody and welcome to the first module of this MOOC! We have an exciting course prepared for you, with a large variety of topics to be discussed. Some of which can become quite technical, but are necessary in order for you to understand the frameworks we are dealing with. For this week however, we are starting somewhat slowly and view cultural heritage from a very personal point of view. This is important because, as you will also learn later, a personal view and inclusive heritage is one of the main ways to go forward and battle for heritage which is under threat. We'd like you to introduce yourself to your fellow students before diving into the content, so make sure to select the next discussion prompt first!
  • Heritage and inequality
    • Hi everybody welcome to the second module! Last week we talked about the concept of heritage and how heritage can be very personal. This week we will dive into how heritage is actually defined, both within the field of (archaeological) heritage management, as well as for local communities. We will also discuss various forms of inequality which unfortunately can come with defining and framing something as heritage. Please watch the video's we have prepared for you first and then proceed with the quizz and case study!
  • Heritage, communities and ownership
    • Hi everybody welcome to the third module!Last week we talked about the definition of heritage and how this can sometimes invoke inequality. This week we will discuss the role of communities and the impact of heritage ownership. Please watch the video's we have prepared for you first and then proceed with the quizz and case study!Have fun!
  • Heritage threats
    • Hi all! Welcome to the fourth module!Last week we talked about local communities and the impact of heritage ownership. This week we will dive into the various threats to heritage, both anthropogenic as well as natural. We also have a very interesting, relevant and timely case study prepared for you! Please watch the video's we have prepared for you first and then proceed with the quizz and case study!
  • Heritage protection
    • Hi all! Welcome to the fifth module!Last week we discussed the various threats to heritage, both man-made as well as natural. This week we will discuss how we can actually protect cultural heritage and which measures we have at our disposal to do so. Please watch the video's we have prepared for you first and then proceed with the quizz and case study!
  • Inclusive heritage
    • Hi all! Welcome to the sixth and last module! Did you enjoy the course thus far?Last week we talked about the opportunities we have to protect heritage. This final week we will discuss how heritage can be utilized to create an inclusive, sensitive and thoughtful society. We will also discuss some of the more technological developments going on in the world of video games and virtual reality, all helping to create an open and inclusive heritage discourse. Let us know what you think! Please watch the video's we have prepared for you first and then proceed with the quizz and case study! Good luck with your final tasks!

Taught by

Dr. Sada Mire

Reviews

4.6 rating, based on 7 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at Coursera based on 173 ratings

Start your review of Heritage under Threat

  • It's an interesting about heritage. It gives me reflection about my cultural identity, what composes it and how to protect it.
  • Prud'Homoz Alix
    I had just finished a master's thesis on the subject when I started this course. it was a good way to go deeper into the subject and to approach it from a different angle. I really wanted to take full advantage of the whole course, so I took my time. In the end, I was very satisfied. The speakers were varied and interesting. The recommendations for readings and videos were very relevant.
  • Anonymous
    A fantastic course led by a true professional. I was particularly captivated by the reading materials, which provided various perspectives on the topic of cultural heritage. Would be great to update the materials though, seems like some time has passed and several issues have transformed. Overall, 10 out of 10 would recommend.
  • Anonymous
    Thank you very much for this great course. I enjoyed it very much and I learned a lot from it. The mixture of videos and readings as well as links made it very entertaining. As the course was started in 2016 one should check the links, which are not always right anymore, especially the ones in the last reading of week 6. If I wanted to read all the articles that you provided properly it would take much more time to do the course. I noted most of the articles for a later time, because I did not mage to read everything. So I have a nice collection of interesting articles and notes right now. Best wishes
  • Anonymous
    Heritage Under Threat is not only a great introduction to a range of heritage issues, but also a superb jumping off point for critiquing heritage practices and considering alternative approaches. The course features discussions from wide range of experts with a diversity of opinions on heritage, which combined with the dialogue with your varied classmates, makes for a fascinating learning experience.
  • Anonymous
    it's a helpful course to start with Work Heritage and his threats.
    The videos are good and all the cases are interesting.
    The required time is adequate.
    Unfortunately Coursera offers only payed certificates, I think that must be two classes os it: for the people who follow for free and for "paid people".
  • Profile image for María José Giménez Duarte
    María José Giménez Duarte
    It is a great introduction to what heritage is, what risks it faces, why some would say it is not under threat, and how it can be protected by different segments of society.

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