Theories and Methods in Cultural Heritage Management

An introduction to the interdisciplinary and practice-related Master’s Programme in Cultural Heritage Management, this course in theory and methods has a twofold purpose: 1) to give an overview over central theories, principles and concepts in research on and management of cultural heritage and cultural environment, both in Norway and internationally; 2) to give an introduction to methods applied in research on management, communication and interpretation of cultural heritage and cultural environment. Moreover, the course sheds light on the oral presentation and the reflective conversation as generic skills for today’s heritage, museum and university sector. Through lectures, excursions, group assignments, seminar discussions and oral presentations, students are provided with a broad introduction to current and central theories and methods in heritage studies, cultural environment research and cultural environment management.

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge, the candidate:

• has in-depth knowledge of theories, principles and concepts in heritage studies, cultural environment research and cultural environment management.
• has good knowledge of current and relevant methods in heritage studies, cultural memory research and cultural environment research as interdisciplinary fields.

Skills, the candidate:

• is capable of combining theoretical and practical issues within the fields of heritage studies, cultural environment research and cultural environment management.
• can assess suitable methods on specific topics within heritage studies, cultural memory research and cultural environment research.
• has the skills necessary to convey orally theoretical knowledge and contribute actively to reflective conversations about cultural heritage, cultural memory and cultural environment in research, management and communication.

Lectures, seminars, excursions, group assignments, oral presentations, and a written term assignment. The course demands active participation at lectures, seminars and group assignments. If a student is unable to attend all learning activities, arrangements for other alternative mandatory activities must be made with the lecturer at the start of the semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Active participation in seminar discussions
• Group assignment with oral presentation
• Individual, written term assignment