MONUMENTS, FOLKLORE, AND LANDSCAPES: CULTURAL HERITAGE AND RELIGION (RAHR-5400)
(09/05/2023-12/15/2023)
Course Memo
Whether considering sacred sites or faith traditions, Cultural Heritage is very often intertwined with religion and spirituality. After tracing the history of the World Cultural Heritage movement, this course will use case studies to focus on issues concerning tangible (monuments, artworks), intangible (folklore, knowledge), and natural heritage (landscapes) with respect to religious practices and spiritual beliefs. Throughout, the emphasis will be on establishing historical and cultural context to understand the meaning of cultural heritage and to consider its evolving definitions. Assignments for this seminar-style course will include readings, discussion, short presentations, and a final paper and presentation on a cultural heritage issue of the student’s choice.