Heritage, Risk, and Resilience: Managing Change in the Anthropocene
Explore how heritage places, objects, and practices can be cared for, and how change can be managed in times of intersecting crises.
Your Honours degree or equivalent should be in a relevant subject. Ideally, students should have a 2:1 or above in their first degree. We will consider students with a 2:2, but the programme is not recommended for those with a low or borderline 2:2 (or equivalent) in their first degree.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- An understanding of the key concepts and theories of the Anthropocene, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk management in relation to heritage.
- Knowledge of various international policy frameworks, institutions, and current issues in heritage in the context of urban planning, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
- An understanding of the diversity of local and Indigenous vernacular ontologies and epistemologies with respect to heritage places and practices.
- An ability to critically reflect on the opportunities and limitations of the ‘heritage as resource’ paradigm.
- A range of research and writing skills that focus on collaborative and creative methodologies.
Structure and content
Each week will be a thematic seminar that will require reading, preparation and viewing of recorded content in advance. Some of the indicative topics include meanings and politics of the concept of the Anthropocene, the heritage at risk framing, the field of disaster management and its relationship with heritage. Broader development agendas like the UN Sustainable Goals, and international climate change policy will be discussed in detail. The relationship of heritage with risk, resilience, recovery, and crises are other themes. The heritage of disasters, managing and curating loss will also be addressed.
Delivery and assessment
The module is delivered through a blend of learning content accessed through the University Portal and in-person seminars on campus. Seminars use small-group discussions, guest speakers, and are enhanced through a field trip.
There will be two assessments, the first is a Climate Change Adaptation Plan / Post-Crises Recovery Plan for a heritage place, practice or a museum. (3500 words, 60%) and the second is speculative fiction style of an essay on Heritage at the End of the World as We Know it (1500 words 30%). A 10% grade will be set aside for online engagement and reflections shared across weeks on the Discussion Board.
The module is designed to promote critical understanding of heritage management in specific contexts of crises. It will enhance knowledge and skills for employability in museum, heritage and related sectors by equipping students to consider the role of heritage managers and scholars in responding to diverse global challenges, from climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainability, and resilience.