Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Mediterranean: Shared Heritage

Mediterranean: Shared Heritage
6
9141
3
First semester
OB
Cultural analysis -identity and innovation-
Art, cultural heritage, and experience
Main language of instruction: English

Teaching staff


Mrs. REGUANT MONTIEL, Blanca - breguant@uic.es

Beyond the class hours, the professor for this course is available for any questions and comments online at: melrazzaz@uic.es and breguant@uic.es 

Introduction

The Mediterranean is a realm of distant dreams and harsh realities. Throughout this course, we will examine the concept of the Mediterranean and its evolution from different perspectives, then proceed to study the Mediterranean cultural and natural heritage in all its diversity and richness, before finally tackling contemporary opportunities and challenges that can bring us together or push us apart. Throughout the course, there will be case studies and activities to enhance the students’ exposure and challenge their perception of the Mediterranean.

Pre-course requirements

 

No particular background is required for this course other than a good command of English and a desire to engage in discussions and collaborative work on a wide range of Mediterranean themes.


Objectives

  • To acquire a basic understanding of the complexity and the richness of the Mediterranean and the development of the concept.
  • To appreciate the Mediterranean heritage for its diversity, uniqueness and fragility.
  • To understand the current issues that have been shaping life in the Mediterranean and its surrounding region(s).

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • E04 - Ability to recognise and interpret cultural manifestations.
  • E09 - To understand the limits and forms of intercultural communication.
  • E20 - Ability to reflect on human-environment interaction and the organisation of the resulting territory.
  • E27 - Ability to work in multicultural contexts.
  • E29 - Skills for mediating in conflicts involving intercultural factors.
  • E33 - Ability to relate concepts of heritage, homeland and cultural identity.
  • E37 - To have current knowledge of the areas of study related to international issues, taking into account contributions from relevant resources, such as a critical reflection on the impact of tourism (including cultural tourism) on development.

Learning outcomes of the subject

By the end of the course, the students should be able to:

Identify and engage in the current Mediterranean discussions through a multidisciplinary approach; explore the richness, diversity, sophistication and uniqueness of the Mediterranean heritage; examine the delicate balance(s) between human beings and Nature, as well as the human impact on the environment in the Mediterranean region; analyse the cultural identity/identities of the Mediterranean through comparative analyses and a study of multiple stakeholders; study the major factors (historical, cultural, political,...) that bring people(s) together and/or push them apart in the Mediterranean region; develop a thorough understanding of relevant terms; apply critical thinking to different modes of cultural expression (artistic, literary, intangible, etc.).

Syllabus

1. Introduction

2. What's a Model of United Nations?

3. Mediterranean Sea Level rise and World Heritage Sites

4. Case studies

 

5. Geographical perspective

6. Historical perspective I

7. Historical perspective II

8. Cultural perspective I

9. Strategic perspective

10. Introduction to heritage

11. Learning, thought and spirituality

 

12. Artistic expression I

13. Artistic expression I

14. Urban history and archaeological sites

15. Introduction to ICH

16. Domains 1 and 2

17. Domains 3, 4 and 5

18. Scientific, industrial and documentary heritage

 

MUN Seminar

-- Research Binder

-- Position Paper

-- Opening Speech

-- Heritage at Risk Analysis

-- MUN Simulation

 

Teaching and learning activities

In person



Apart from regular discussions in class, the teaching methodology is based on real-life case studies at the beginning of each class, complemented with reading material and relevant outdoor activities.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The evaluation system for this subject is based on attendance and active participation in class, as well as in the Model of United Nations focused on a relevant topic for the Mediterranean, its culture and heritage.

20% Research Binder

20% Position Paper (15% written, 5% oral)

20% Opening Speech (15% written, 5% oral)

20% World Heritage Sites at Risk within Country

10% Attendance and active participation

10% Final resolution - whole class

Bibliography and resources

The Mediterranean: a shared heritage

Mohammed Elrazzaz

Euro-Mediterranean University (Piran, 2018)

 

The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean

David Abulafia

Oxford University Press; Reprint edition (September 1, 2013)

 

Memory and the Mediterranean

Fernand Braudel

Vintage; Reprint edition (December 3, 2002)

 

The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II, Vol. 1-2

Fernand Braudel

University of California Press; Reprint edition (July 16, 1996)

 

The Corrupting Sea: A Study of Mediterranean History

Peregrine Horden and Nicholas Purcell

Wiley-Blackwell (April 7, 2000)

 

Mediterranean Passages: Readings from Dido to Derrida

Miriam Cooke and Erdag Göknar

The University of North Carolina Press; First Edition edition (October 20, 2008)

 

Back to the Garden: Nature and the Mediterranean World from Prehistory to the Present

James H.S. McGregor

Yale University Press (February 10, 2015)

 

Southern Thought and Other Essays on the Mediterranean

Franco Cassano

Fordham University Press; 1 edition (May 1, 2012)

Teaching and learning material


Print version