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

  • CN01 - Students will be able to analyse and interpret imaginary and iconic, symbolic and representational language in the context of humanistic disciplines.
  • CN02 - Students will be able to identify models and policies specific to different cultures and migratory groups, as well as their historical context.
  • CP05 - Students will be able to analyse socio-cultural, historical and artistic structures, from a respect for the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, using language that avoids androcentricity and stereotypes.
  • HB01 - Students will be able to reflect on issues of a cultural, social, scientific or ethical nature by interpreting relevant data.
  • HB02 - Students will be able to convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  • HB06 - Students will be able to plan tasks and projects in an organised and structured manner.
  • HB08 - Students will be able to research different humanistic disciplines based on an analysis and comparison of relevant information.
  • HB11 - Students will be able to critically analyse cultural and artistic representations, based on an understanding of their historical context, in order to develop an intercultural perspective and a deeper understanding of the contemporary world.
  • HB13 - Students will be able to draw connections between data derived from observations and relevant theories, following data interpretation.
  • HB17 - Students will be able to use data collection tools with a high degree of independence, such as library catalogues, archival inventories, documentary sources, electronic references and other resources.

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