How can we protect Stonehenge? To whom do the Parthenon marbles belong? Is it possible to regulate the ownership of intangible heritage? Can cultural heritage contribute to tackling global issues identified in the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda? Do cultural rights exist?
You will consider the development of international cultural heritage law as a distinct branch of law that has developed to accommodate the specific needs of cultural heritage. You will question the widening definition of heritage from historical monuments in the 19th century to intangible values today. You will analyse developing norms that involve international treaties, laws, ethics, and policy consideration relating to heritage.
You will identify values and principles that contribute to a fair, equitable and sustainable cultural heritage policy and give coherence to practices shaped by museums, communities and States. You will examine the complex body of rules at the intersection of civil law, property law, criminal law, public law, private international law and public international law. You will critically evaluate how those interactions have developed a less than coherent legal framework.
Lectures/seminars 16
Workshops 8
Written- Extended writing- Case study- 1,500 words -30%
Written -Extended writing -Essay -2,500 words -70% -This Assessment is Pass Compulsory.
Reassessment methods:Like for like
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Critically apply new insights and advanced knowledge of international cultural heritage law to a wide range of situations, including legal principles and policy issues underlying international cultural heritage law;
2) Systematically appraise and characterise gaps in knowledge in the development of international cultural heritage law and current challenges arising from (un)sustainable practices in the regulation of cultural heritage;
3) Critically evaluate international cultural heritage law in terms of its historical and legal consequences;
4) Initiate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems regarding the regulation of cultural heritage;
5) Evaluate global issues identified in the UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda, as they relate to cultural heritage.
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