Insegnamento a.a. 2026-2027

The notion of heritage will be examined through its historical evolution, social construction and contemporary interpretations. Starting from international frameworks such as the Faro Convention, heritage will be discussed as a complex system of material, immaterial and relational dimensions, shaped by communities, institutions and cultural practices.

The course explores the processes through which heritage is recognized, managed, safeguarded and valorized, with particular attention to governance models, regulatory frameworks, cultural policies and organizational approaches in the heritage sector. Site visits, case studies and applied discussions will support the analysis of museums, cultural organizations and heritage places as dynamic actors within broader social and urban contexts.

Through a discursive approach, the last part of the course focuses on heritage politics in conflict and post-conflict contexts. The seminars are inspired by decolonial theory and radical pedagogy and will concentrate on questions of self-determination, authenticity and epistemic violence with a particular focus on questions of cultural genocide. Drawing from two decades of fieldwork, the discussion will center on the geopolitics of (tangible and intangible) heritage protection in Afghanistan, Palestine and Yemen.

• Identify heritage as a collective good and responsibility, and recognize the diversity of heritage places.
• Understand cultural significance and proper methods for appreciation in the context of heritage management.
• Navigate a rich array of case studies with the capacity to discern diverse approaches to heritage conservation and management.
• Recognize the geopolitical implications of heritage in conflict and post-conflict contexts, with an awareness of concepts such as cultural genocide, epistemic violence, and decolonial approaches.

• Elaborate informed reflections on how management responses can harness benefits for heritage and for broader wellbeing in society.
• Critically discuss management innovation and institutional practices in the cultural heritage sector.
• Identify personal professional interests and possible trajectories within the heritage sector.
• Engage critically with heritage management in contexts marked by conflict, occupation and colonial legacies, applying decolonial and community-centered perspectives.

• Lectures
• Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
• Company visits

The course will merge theoretical and empirical approaches.

• Guest speakers' talks: professionals will be invited to present the challenges faced in the field or cutting edge research and policy work.
• Company visits: if possible, external visits to heritage places, including contact with the organizations and communities involved in their management, allow a first-hand understanding of how they work behind the scenes.

With the purpose of measuring the acquisition of the above-mentioned learning outcomes, the students’ assessment is based on the written exam consisting of open and closed questions aimed to assess students' understanding of the contents. 

The final written exam consists of 2 open-answer questions out of 3. It will be focused on subjects covered in the:

• Course presentations, including those offered during external visits.
• Key texts and other readings suggested in the syllabus.
• Any other learning resources suggested during the course.

In-class participation, constructive interaction and critical thinking will be positively considered.

With the purpose of measuring the acquisition of the above-mentioned learning outcomes, the students' assessment is based on the written exam consisting of open questions aimed to assess students' understanding of the contents.
 

The final written exam consists of 3 open-answer questions out of 3. It will be focused on subjects covered in:
 

• Key texts and other readings suggested in the syllabus (extended bibliography for non-attending students).
• Any other learning resources indicated for non-attending students.

The capacity to critically integrate and connect the suggested bibliographic references will be positively considered.

Course materials will be provided by professors and they will include:

• Readings and other materials suggested in the syllabus (core bibliography and wider background readings).
• Course presentations offered during classroom sessions, external visits and guest’s talks.
• Other readings suggested during the course.

Not attending students will sustain the exam on a list of readings and materials suggested in the syllabus, at the beginning of the course.