Heritage, Interpretation And Development DUMF5009

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No

Short Description

This course explores the relationship between heritage and tourism; heritage and history, the development of heritage as an industry, cross-cultural understandings of heritage, management issues, interpretation and representation, as well as contentious matters relating to politics, education, entertainment and ownership. It places heritage into its broad cultural context, and emphasises the importance of interpretation in the understanding and valuation of heritage. The scope of the course is international including Europe, the Americas and Asia. Scotland provides some detailed case studies for consideration.

Timetable

Two hours of lecture or seminar weekly.

Requirements of Entry

None

Assessment

Oral presentation (20%)

Essay (80%)

Course Aims

The principal aims of the course are:

To introduce students to the idea of heritage in its broadest sense.
To introduce students to the relationship between heritage, interpretation and development.
To familiarise students with the development of heritage attractions worldwide, as well as in Scotland.
To familiarise students with the relationship between heritage and history.
To familiarise students with the connections between heritage, identity and marketing.
To introduce students to contentious issues in heritage management.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

AS WITH ALL MSc COURSES, THIS ONE WILL BUILD UPON AND REFINE SKILLS ACQUIRED AT THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE THE STUDENT:

Will have knowledge about, and an understanding of, the meaning of heritage and its transformation through time in the west.
Will have an understanding of the relationship between heritage, interpretation and the development of heritage attractions.
Will be able to identify significant heritage developments in Scotland and worldwide (including World Heritage Sites).
Will understand key aspects of heritage and its relationship with history, including issues of authenticity, representation and truth, as well as repatriation.
Will be able to relate the development of heritage as a means of attraction to its cultural context in Scotland and internationally.
Will have an understanding of the relationship between heritage, identity and power.
Will understand the way heritage relates to national idenity, branding and marketing.
These outcomes will be demonstrated through the essays, the oral exam and in tutorials.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

None